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WILLIAM YANCEY ERWIN. 



ORIGINAL POEMS 



AND ACROSTICS 




THIRD EDITION 
Enlarged and Illustrated 



BY 

WILLIAM YANCEY ERWIN 



Go, little book, on thy mission of love. 
The right exalt, the wrong reprove. 



PUBLISHED FOR THE AUTHOR 

1913 






COPYRIGHT 1906 

BY 
WILLIAM YANCEY ERWIN 

OF 
LEXINGTON, KY. 

Reissued 1913. 



COFVaiGUT OFFiOE 

MAI ii 13!* 



THE CUMBERLAND PRESS, 

Nashville, Tenn. 



De&icatton 



TO ONE 

WHO EVER STRIVES 

FOR THE UPLIFT OF HUMANITY 

Cora Stutsman Brwin 

/ DEDICATE THIS VOLUME WITH 
HIGHEST ADMIRATION AND 

PUREST LOVE 

W. r. E. 
1907 



CONTENTS. 



A Dream 220 

A Dun 223 

A Dun for Five Dollars 160 

A Lady's Soliloquy 124 

A West Virginia Wedding 78 

Act as You Piay 187 

Advice in Parting 224 

Advice to Blaine 167 

After Many Years 200 

Air Castles 136 

An Open Letter 208 

Autumn Leaves 25 

Baseb 11 222 

Both Sides 114 

Brother Wheat 148 

Decoration 218 

Dewey at Manila 84 

Fairy Scenes 177 

Fond Recollections ^ 189 

Friendly Advice 155 

Friendship, Love and Truth 151 

Genesis of Races ^ 94 

''Go Forward" 145 

Hypocrisy 163 

Idealistic Socialism 34 

If I But Might 80 

Inconstancy 139 

5 



In the Hammock 142 

Introductory 9 

Jesus 22 

Jonathan and David 171 

Joseph 39 

Joseph (Part II) 45 

Joseph (Part III) 49 

Joseph (Part IV) 54 

Joseph (Part V) 57 

Joseph Part VI) 61 

Joseph (Part VII) 64 

Joseph (Part VIII) 69 

Joseph (Part IX) 72 

Lines to C. S. J 117 

Little Grace B 201 

Lines to Miss Tommie D 133 

Love's Delirium 37 

Lula Hall 91 

Married in Haste 137 

Meditation 185 

Mental Telepathy 109 

Miss Dea 169 

Miss Pearl 164 

Miss Tommie Deknoblough 132 

Mr. Bell's Baby 113 

My Darling iii 

My Dear Old Southern Home 193 

My Typo 206 

Never Fear 202 

Our Departed Mother 197 

On the Road to Jericho 161 

Parting 93 

Penitence 212 

6 



Quo Vadis ^5 

Recompense 217 

Retrospect 203 

Rhapsodies 27 

Shades of Daniel Boone 17 

Sharps and Flats i79 

Smiles and Words of Cheer 88 

Temptation 213 

Thanks for the Loan of a Book 141 

Thanksgiving 89 

The Belle of Somerset 32 

The Days of Yore 86 

The Fickle Friend 119 

The Four Seasons 181 

The Hawks' Nest, W. Va 12 

The Heart of Stone 196 

The Honey Bee 112 

The New Boarder 209 

The Old, Old Story iS7 

The Railroad of Life 143 

The Rosebud that I Never Got 15 

The Scamps 129 

The Tariff Wall of Dixon iS3 

The Unjust Judge 183 

The Word That Never Was Said 215 

Theodore Roosevelt 33 

Though Dead She Liveth 199 

Unequally Yoked 19S 

Waiting, Sadly Waiting 165 

Waywardness — The Messenger's Report — __ 102-107 

Wm. Y. Erwin, Acrostic 11 

Wm. Goebel 127 

Written in an Old Album i35 

7 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The Poets. 



Their souls, with Nature en rapport, 
Hold an exhaustless treasure; 

Their heart-strings vibrate at a touch, 
Trillin'g rhyme and measure. 

They see the glory of the stars 

Reflected in the stream, 
Like steps in ladder, Jacob saw 

At Bethel, in his dream. 

To them all Nature is a shrine, 
Whereat they fondly kneel, 

And get a touch of sacred fire 
That other souls ne'er feel. 

As warning beacons, here they stand, 
Whose lights gleam out afar. 

That mariners, upon life's sea. 
May shun each reef and bar. 

Such halo on the scroll of fame. 
Will never fade away, 

9 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

But like the twilight, in the east, 
Will brighter grow 'til day. 

All men, with worthy motives here, 
Will gladly sing their songs, 

Which speak of justice, love and truth, 
To right all human wrongs. 

'Tis not for filthy lucre, they 
Toil on, with heart and mind. 

Reward comes to them in the thought 
To elevate mankind. 

Much richer treasure, far, are theirs 
Than Mammon's sordid gold, 

'Tis truth and virtue, jewels rare. 
Whose value none have told. 

Then greet the poets with a smile. 
And bid their cause Godspeed, 

Wait not until their race is run, 
To give them what they need. 

Bring Nature's choice diadems. 

To grace the poets brow ; 
'Twine the rarest fruits and flowers, 

And crown them here and now. 

10 



WM. Y. ERWIN. 



Acrostic. 



What reams of paper, floods of ink, 
Men do spoil who never think, 
Yet you will say the same of me, 
Except you with me quite agree. 
Read my works, read ev'ry Hne, 
Written for the love of rhyme ; 
If then you think my thoughts unwise. 
Note the parts you criticise. 



II 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 



THE HAWK'S NEST, W. VA. 

No painter's brush or poet's pen 

Has drawn a picture fair 
As nature spreads o'er hill and glen, 

When autumn days are here. 

The forest leaves in varied hue 

Are beauteous to behold. 
They shine through atmosphere of blue, 

Like emerald and gold. 

While here and there a crimson tint 

Relieves the monotone, 
And barren spots show the imprint 

Of solid cliffs of stone. 

Here mountains end in rugged peaks, 

To kindly ope' a door, 
Through which New River, fed by creeks, 

Must dash with deaf'ning roar. 

12 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Upon those craggy mountains high 

The eagles build their nest, 
And teach their young the art to fly — 

When weary here they rest. 

Those peaks are Ufted up so high, 
They catch the sun's first ray. 

And view him last in evening sky. 
At close of ev'ry day. 

Though storm clouds battle far below, 
And smite the mountain side, 

Upon those heights, the eagles know. 
The sunUght will abide. 

From off yon overhanging rock, 
Where slimy serpents creep. 

Two lovers at restraint to mock, 
Once made a fatal leap. 

And lest their rashness be forgot, 

Its memory we keep, 
By often pointing to that spot. 

And call it "Lover's Leap." 

And still we view another knob. 
Much steeper than the rest, 
13 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

No one dare undertake the job, 
Of robbing the "Hawk's Nest." 

Since with our mortal eyes we saw, 
The grandeur there displayed, 

Our hearts are filled with sacred awe. 
We've come away dismayed. 



14 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN, 



THE ROSEBUD THAT I NEVER GOT. 

She had fern leaves, pinks and roses, 

In an unique flower pot ; 
And I begged her for a wee bud, 

But that bud I never got. 

For the maid who owned that bouquet 

Was as firm as any knot, 
And though long with her I pleaded. 

Yet that bud I never got. 

Now my heart is crushed and bleeding. 

And I wish that I had not 
Asked for such a valued keepsake. 

Yet that bud I never got. 

If I knew my words offended. 
And she hoped I'd die and rot, 

I could not avoid my longing, 
For that bud I never got. 

May the life be full of pleasure. 
Of her who formed the plot, 

IS 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

To create in me desirings 
For the bud I never got. 

May her eyes look on in pity, 

And in Heu, to me allot, 
Her kind heart's true affection. 

For that bud I never got. 

Then my fondest hopes accomplished, 
I would from my mem'ry blot. 

All the sadness that I suffered 
O'er that bud I never got. 

For then, though trees bore roses, 
In all seasons, cold and hot, 

Fd pass them by, unmentioned, 
For that sweeter bloom, I got. 

My 'raptured soul would linger 

Around the sacred spot. 
Where rosebuds were denied me, 

But her smiles, in lieu, I got. 

Then all life's former blessings 

Would be but as a dot. 
Compared to suns and planets, 

When love, with her, I got. 
i6 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



SHADES OF DANIEL BOONE. 

When I came from old Virginia, 

Many, many years ago, 
I was forced to end my journey, 

By the river Ohio; 

For the threat'ning of its waters, 
As they lashed against the shore, 

Proved a bar to farther progress, 
Though I longed to cross them o'er. 

I found forests here unbroken, 
By the woodman's keen-edged ax ; 

And the natives did not frighten 
With a capias for my tax. 

I was free to roam at pleasure 
Over mountain, hill and dale. 

And for trespass, was not threatened 
With a term in county jail. 

Nay, the counties were not thought of 
In the days when first I come 

17 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

To this land of wood and streamlet, 
To my ''Old Kentucky Home," 

Where a wigwam on the hillside 
Sheltered me from wintry blast, 

And its door was ever opened, 
To the weary and outcast. 

But alas, my dream of freedom 
Was not long to be enjoyed. 

For the army of Virginia, 

Thro' this land was soon deployed. 

Who began to shoot the natives. 
And to cut the forest down, 

Thus they tried to civilize it, 
In the name of England's crown. 

Then my spirit, much disgusted. 
From the earth was glad to flee, 

For such acts of depredation 
Spoiled my dream of liberty. 

After years and years of wand'ring, 

I return again to earth 
To behold the wond'rous changes. 

In the land that gave me birth. 
i8 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Where once stood my father's cabin, 

Now a mansion rears its head ; 
But a stranger is not welcome there, 

I have heard it truly said. 

So, across the rugged mountains, 

Once again my spirit roams. 
But I see instead of wigwams 

Many grand Kentucky homes. 

'Midst those homes are schools and churches, 

And the land is shorn of trees ; 
Here are cities, filled with people. 

Working like so many bees. 

Now I hear the engine screaming, 

As it glides along the rail. 
And I see the people gather 

At each station for their mail. 

Next I see the busy farmer. 

With a reaper binding sheaves, 
Near a crop of fine tobacco, 

Having value for its leaves. 

There's a com crop, now in tassel, 
That the farmer rode to plow, . 
19 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And the blue grass of his pasture, 
Is a treat for any cow. 

He has pigs that weigh two hundred, 
At the age of ninety days ; 

And his sheep with heavy fleeces. 
Many times their keeping pays. 

And he has near home a market 
For the products of his farm; 

So the fear of gaunt starvation. 
Should not give him much alarm. 

But still there lurks a danger 
That threatens every home, 

So now I'll give thee warning, 
As for that alone I've come. 

Your ancient halls of justice 
Are, too often, shields for crime, 

Where men, who "vote the party," 
Are winners, every time. 

Thieves think they have a license 
To murder, steal and burn, 

And if they "vote the party," 
Sweet liberty they'll earn. 

20 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN, 

The men you've placed in office 
Have learned to wink at crime, 

And those who 'Vote the party '* 
Get pardons every time. 

Now I must take my journey, 
Through distant fields to roam, 

Your modernized Kentucky 
I will not call my home. 

Farewell, farewell, Kentucky, 
Noi more I'll see thee soon, 
Unless thou change thy nature, 
Still, I'm thy friend. 



D. BOONE. 




21 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 



JESUS. 

While passing o'er life's rugged road, 
Bowed down beneath sin's weighty load, 
I've noted oft, with tearful eyes. 
How truth is crushed 'neath theories. 

There are men blinded in their youth, 
Would gladly find the way of truth ; 
For such as those we raise the cry, 
That Christ, the Nazarene, is nigh. 

He is the Truth, the Light, the Way, 
Behold! "He passeth by," today; 

Thine ear prepare to hear His voice; 

He bids thee come, hear Him, rejoice. 

Be not among the doubting crowd, 
Who claim but few will be allowed 
To reach the shores of endless day, — 
They know not well whereof they say. 

22 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

I've seen some men, and women, too, 

Who would not tolerate a Jew ; 
And yet, they thought themselves so pure 
That Christ would save them, certain, sure. 

Now Paul would answer such as they 

And show to them a better way 
To praise the Lord and to be just — 
We know Saint Paul will do to trust. 

He bids thee not despise the Jew, 

For he is God's, as well as you ; 
And, "by his unbelief," says Paul, 
"God can be just, and save us all." 

For had the Jews on Christ believed, 
The Gentiles could not be received, 
But since the Savior they denied, 
The Gentiles may be sanctified. 

But still, the Jews have Moses' rod 
To lead them in the way to God, 
Who shows to them His smiling face 
And Jew and Gentile saves by grace. 

Let ev'ry nation, ev'ry clan, 
Give praise to God, who wrought the plan. 

23 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Through Christ, His first begotten Son, 
The work was finished, as begun. 

And man, who by his sins was lost, 
Is saved from woe at mighty cost. 
Let ev'ry tongue, on ev'ry coast. 
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 




24 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



AUTUMN LEAVES. 

We have often seen, in Autumn, 
The woods, when leaves were red, 

And listened to the cawing crow 
While on the mast he fed. 

We've tried, in vain to praise in song 

That season of the year. 
But when we know soon follows death, 

Our grief brings forth a tear. 

First chill, then fever, brought the glow 

Of crimson to their face, 
Soon, cold in death, beneath the snow, 

They'll find a hiding place. 

O, who could contemplate that scene 

And not this lesson learn : 
That death, some day, will hide away 

Our ashes in an urn. 

Then, what remains of us will be 
The good or evil done 
25 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

To those with whom we come in touch, 
While here our race we run. 

O, may that picture of our lives 

Reveal no deeds of shame, 
But may it, like the Autumn Leaves, 

Shine bright with well earned fame. 




26 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



RHAPSODIES. 

O, sacred flame! 

Thou canst reclaim 
The heart that goes astray, 

For thou canst burn, 

In holy urn, 
The fervent prayers we pray. 

O, who' can tell. 

In heav'n or hell, 
The spark that kindles thee? 

The first we know, 

We feel thy glow. 
Then bow on bended knee. 

Thus, to succeed. 

Our cause we plead, 
But often plead in vain ; 

Like cloudy skies 

Our tearful eyes 
Break forth in showers of rain. 

27 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

I answered her, 

So very queer, 
"Dear lady, I'll be blown. 

Of all love's kind, 

I ne'er shall find, 
None suit me like your own." 

What think ye, then, 

Ye lads and men, 
Did this fair lady say? 

She looked me o'er, 

From head to floor, 
And said, "O fool, go 'way." 

But do you know, 

I did not go, 
Though mad she seemed to be. 

But like a clown, 

I looked cast down. 
When, lo! she smiled on me. 

Right then I knew, 

That ladies do 
Not speak just what they mean; 

They'll frown, and fret. 

And pout and pet, 
And awful angry seem. 
30 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Sure as I live 

They will forgive 
The hasty words you spoke, 

If you will prove 

That from true love, 
They sprang and not from joke. 

What maid or lad 

Could long be mad 
At loving words expressed ? 

There's few that live 

Who can't forgive 
And love, for love confessed. 




WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE BELLE OF SOMERSET. 

Since inspiration I much need, 
ril go straightway and borrow 

Enough my Pegasus to feed, 
From Mary Bradley Morrow. 

Her winsome smile and look so coy, . 

Must be the bow and arrow. 
That little Cupid — cunning boy — 

Has loan'd to Mary Morrow. 

At thought of leaving Somerset, 
My heart is fiU'd with sorrow ; 

For then no more a smile I'll get 
From pretty Mary Morrow. 

The emblem of my hope shall be 

The cypress twining yarrow. 
Like it, my thoughts will cling to thee, 
Sweet Mary Bradley Morrow. 



3^ 




THE BELLE OF SOMERSET. 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 



Acrostic. 



Take the scepter once again 
Handed thee, to rule all clans. 
Ease our burdens, break the chain 
Of oppression from our hands. 
Dauntless be in all thine acts ; 
Overthrow all laws unjust; 
Reasons give, from well known facts ; 
Execute, with zeal, thy trust. 

Ruthless foes will thee assail ; 
Over-zealous friends will boast; 
Over both let right prevail ; 
Safely guard our nation's coast. 
Equal rights to all maintain ; 
Virtue praise, and vice put down; 
Else we, rightly, will complain, 
Like we did 'gainst Britain's crown, 
Thus winning freedom and renown. 

Written on his nomination for President. 



33 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



IDEALISTIC SOCIALISM. 

When earth, for want of form, was void. 
And God and angels unemployed, 
They by the devil were annoyed. 

And so the earth was made. 
Saint Michael with the Dragon fought, 
And to him many lessons taught, 
With wisdom and with prudence fraught, 

If he had but obeyed. 

But he those lessons would not heed. 
So earth was made to hold his seed, 
And give them ground whereon to plead 

In enmity their cause. 
And, to perfect a simple plan, 
God made, of dust, a mortal man, 
On whom to try His can't and can ; 

He also gave him laws 

Of which there are two kinds, they say, 
Who would our freedom take away, 
The one, by nature, we obey. 
Is always called the first. 
34 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

The second law was made by man — 
Whose life, at best, is but a span — 
To obey its mandate no one can ; 
All men by it are cursed. 

If man, by nature, went astray, 
To follow woman — by the way — 
What other law, could he obey, 

Since man no law had made? 
O, foolish man, to make believe 
That zvoman did your heart deceive. 
Therefore in sorrow you must grieve 

And troubled waters wade. 

// NATURE is not perfect, why 

Should we to perfect nature try. 

By Law, which brands the Truth a lie? 

O, foolish man, take heed ! 
Your ignorance has made you blind. 
The laws you make you do not mind. 
The way of truth you can not find, 

Though night and day you plead. 

Thy laws repeal, thy courts disband. 
Let man on merit only stand. 
Let no man own a foot of land, 
Nor naught to call his own. 

35 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Let Freedom have her perfect sway; 
Let man to God, no other, pray, 
Then joy, and peace, will come and stay, 
And we shall be God's throne. 

We'll need no hell to punish crime, 
For all God's works are most sublime. 
And they shall praise Him all the time, 

'Til age of ages cease. 
And still a thousand ages more 
We'll spend upon that tranquil shore, 
And all the time in love adore 

His reign of perfect peace. 




s6 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



LOVE'S DELIRIUM. 

When daylight dies in western skies,. 

And Neptune hangs his lamp on high, 
Then shadows crawl upon the wall 

And Harpies their vocation ply. 

Whilst I'm asleep the Genii creep 

Into m.y cham.ber, everywhere. 
When I awake I fear and quake. 

And for protection offer prayer. 

They dance, they leap, they blear, they peep, 

They seem to never tire ; 
They laugh, they howl, they smile, they scowl. 

They splutter in the fire. 

Such demons well deserve a hell 

To check their wily pranks ; 
They carpets wear on floor and stair. 

And leave but naked planks. 

O, who can quell this magic spell, 
And make these elves be still? 

Z7 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Let him advance with spear, or lance, 
Or sword, or writing quill. 

Sure as I live, I'll to him give 

The half of all my wealth; 
With finest wine, made on the Rhine, 

I'll daily drink his health. 

Alas, men say, no mortal may 
These spectres give command, 

So, in dismay men turn away, 
And leave them in the land. 

Since man must fail to them assail, 

I'll to dear woman turn; 
For she, I'm sure, can them allure 

And sweeter incense burn. 

She knows the cause, 'tis Nature's laws. 
That make men visions see ; 

And she can quell the dreadful spell 
But she, and only she. 

So, now observe the graceful curve 
Those demons make in flight; 

For woman's love can demons move, 
And drive them out of sight. 
38 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



JOSEPH. 

When blasting mildew spreads its blight 

O'er fields of waving grain, 
And lowing herds come home at night, 

As search for food is vain. 

'Tis then the mind will wander back 

O'er records kept by men, 
Until it reach the well fiU'd sack 

Of doting Jacob's Ben. 

In it we find the wizard's cup. 

Our tapers make it shine; 
We haste with wine to fill it up ; 

We drink; we now divine. 

We see the famine growing worse, 

All nations fade away; 
The Jews alone escape the curse, 

Because they watch and pray. 

Yet Egypt hath much hoarded grain, 
That Joseph did foresee 

39 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Would servants for his lord obtain, 
Of all who then were free. 

And so this cunning little Jew, 

A Hebrew bred and born, 
Bade all the people that he knew 

To Egypt come for corn. 

Now Jacob, in his mountain tent, 
Heard, with a gladsome heart, 

That grain in Egypt was not spent. 
And coin would get a part. 

So, quick as thought, he called his sons, 
And to' them gave this charge^ — 

"Be not among the slothful ones. 
Our family is large." 

*'Go, get thee down to Egypt's land. 

My soul is quite forlorn ; 
Take current money in thy hand, 

We need a little corn." 

'Terhaps the King will show us grace, 

And keep our souls alive; 
If I no more should see thy face, 

I wish not to survive." 
40 



WM. YANCEY ERVVIN. 

"I've felt a sadness in my heart, 
Since Joseph's death, so strange; 

And now with all if I must part, 
'Twill sure my mind derange." 

*'So this I'll do at any cost, 
Your youngest brother keep, 

Who, should the othets all get lost, 
Will cheer me when I weep." 

"Yea, if my sons should all be dead, 
Though they were true and brave, 

I know 'twould bring this old gray head 
In sorrow to the grave." 

"Be sober and discreet, my boys. 

Be faithful, just, and true. 
Let none of Egypt's gaudy toys 

A tempter prove to you." 

"If Midianites should thee assail, 

Then close together stay, 
In union thou wilt sure prevail ; 

Fall not out by the way." 

Thus did the doting sire give charge 
To them ere they departed; 

41 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

It made their little troop feel large, 
And all were braver-hearted. 

But, when the intervening hill 

Concealed their father's tent, 
They found it was a "bitter pill," 

From home to thus be sent. 

Still when they thought of babes and wives, 

The loved ones of their care. 
They willingly would risk their lives. 

In journey any where. 

Now, Reuben was the elder one. 

To whom command belonged, 
But for a crime that he had done, 

His father greatly wronged. 

And hence to Judah — 'Traise the Lord"— 
The leadership was given ; 

Through him God sent His Son — the Word- 
To light our souls to heaven. 

Ere long, the birthright did pertain 

To Joseph and his sons. 
Because, though dead, he lived again. 

Like resurrected ones. 

42 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Just now his brothers did not know 

That Joseph was aHve, 
And next in honor to Pharaoh, 

In Egypt's busy hive. 

Though this they knew, that years ago, 

They sold him as a slave, 
And told their sire a tale of woe 
Of his uncertain grave. 

They stripped him of his vestments rare, 

His father's love had given ; 
All for a dream he did declare 

About some stars of heaven. 

And for another dream the lad 

To them had oft revealed, 
About some sheaves his kindred had 

Bow to his, in the field. 

They envied him the love and grace 

Their father to him gave; 
And thought to end the dreamer's race 

In an untimely grave. 

But Reuben said, "A better plan," 
(He sought his Hfe to save,) 
43 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

"Would be to strip the little man 
And hide him in a cave." 

To him the others all gave heed. 

They on poor Joseph fell ; 
In vain with them he tried to plead ; 

They thrust him in that hell. 

Ere long they saw a roving band 

Of Ishmaelites appear, 
Whose business was to search the land 

For traffic, year by year. 

Now Judah said, "List ! I've a scheme, 

And it I will unfold; 
Let us avenge our brother's dream 

By trading him for gold." 

They brought him forth from out the pit, 
Where Envy had him bound — 

When wrong begins the place to quit 
Is very seldom found. 

They sold him to his heartless foes, 

Who paid the price in cash. 
The torture that he bore who knows, 

^rom Midianitish lash? 

44 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



Part II. 

At length, they reached the land of Ham, 
Where Pharaoh reigned as king. 

And Potiphar, the slaughter man. 
Was charmed to hear him sing. 

And soon a contract he had made, 

By which he owned the lad, 
'Twas fortunate, for by that trade, 

He doubled all he had. 

And when he saw that Joseph's Lord 

Blessed him for Joseph's sake, 
He placed his goods in Joseph's ward. 

Nor invoice did he take. 

Now, Joseph was a lad with brains, 

He trusted in the Lord ; 
And added to his master's gains. 

By thought, and deed, and word. 

He lived a life of blissful ease, 

His duties being light ; 
He had no wife to kiss and squeeze, 

And lie by him at night. 

45 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

His master's wife was young and gay, 

And did him much admire ; 
She sought new plans from day to day, 

To set his heart on fire. 

She bade him sing his native songs, 
Such as, *'The Rose of Sharon." 

She, then, .would name her husband's wrongs, 
And grieve that she was barren. 

Still all of that did not him move 

To break the Lord's command ; 
She, next, would speak of harmless love, 

And on him lay her hand. 

There came a day she had a chance 

To corner him, and say : 
*'Now Joseph, spurn not this advance. 

Come, with me kindly lay." 

Her panting breath and pleading tone, 
Heaved breasts of faultless mold. 

Her eyes, with fitful flashes, shone. 
Her actions grew more bold. 

So great her passion for him rose. 
That she all else forgot, 
46 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

She never dreamed he would oppose 
Her cunning, lustful, plot. 

But when she found her sweetest smile, 
And words, could not him flatter. 

She thou'ght if art could not beguile. 
She'd force him to come at her. 

She grasped him by his flowing gown. 

His virtue to assail ; 
She tried perforce to pull him down, 

But she could not prevail. 

For, Joseph, with an iron will 

Her pleadings could resist ; 
Although he reasoned well, yet still, 

On him she would insist. 

At last he saw his only chance 

Was to abruptly leave her ; 
He thus rebuked her bold advance ; 

Which act did greatly grieve her. 

To' save his virtue thus he fled. 

But left his gown behind ; 
When lo ! his mistress quickly said, 

"That Hebrew dog go bind." 
47 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

"Behold! to humble me, with shame, 
He tried, and here's the proof — 

Osiris, curse his very name ! — 
He found me on the roof." 

"And when, with scorn, I drave him back. 

He started to run down, 
I followed close upon his track, 

And caught him by the gown." 

"His hurry was so great, you see, 

He left his gown behind ; 
Now, here's the proof I give to thee, 

Who doubts it must be blind." 

Her husband hearing such outcry, 

And wondering at the matter. 
Began to ask the reason why 

They made such noise and clatter. 

A brawny Eunuch brake the news. 
Grown worse, instead of dwindled, 

By adding to it his own views ; 
"The old man's ire was kindled." 

But still, as it was growing late. 
He had him cast in prison, 

48 



IV M. YANCEY ERWIN. 

And said, "I will investigate 
Before I give decision." 

"Perhaps the lad was not to blame, 

I well know woman's wiles. 
They'll fan your passion into flame 

By winks, and nods, and smiles." 

"And sometimes they their wants make known, 

Through accusations made. 
They'll claim the thing they want was done. 

And wanted words, were said." 

"That puts a doubt within my mind, 

I must not act with haste ; 
Put him in ward, I'll try to find, 

What makes him act unchaste." 

Part III. 

Then days and weeks slow grew to years, 

And Joseph still was bound; 
His master's doubts were based on fears, 

So he no verdict found. 

The jailer trusted him to keep 
The keys to ev'ry cell ; 

49 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And oft the visions of his sleep, 
Was Joseph asked to tell. 

At length, two servants of the king, 
Were placed with him in prison ; 

The one was wont the wine to bring, 
With rarest fruits in season. 

The other was the baker chief, 

A man of modest means ; 
Each cheered the other in his grief. 

Each had prophetic dreams. 

The butler's dream for him was good, 

As Joseph did foreshow. 
Which, when the baker understood. 

His own he fain would know. 

For him, alas ! the news was sad. 

It warned him of his fate. 
His master with him still was mad, 

And soon, his life would take. 

Their dreams turned out as Joseph said, 
Who spake as spake the Lord ; 

The baker lost his guilty head, 
The butler was restored. 
50 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 

But soon the butler did forget, 

Poor Joseph and the prison ; 
He left him there two years, to sweat. 

Without the slightest reason. 

'Til, one night, Pharaoh had a dream, 
And, to him, it seemed double; 

In it were kine, and corn, and stream; 
He felt it boded trouble. 

When all the wise men in the land. 

Could not his dream declare, 
The butler cried with outstretched hand, 

"Let not my lord despair." 

"My fault is great ; for sure, I know 
A youth that dreams can tell, 

I met him just two years ago, 
In yonder prison cell." 

"My master knows when I was bound 

For evils done by me. 
The baker, too, was guilty found. 

And hanged, but I am free." 

"We had some dreams, so plain, but queer. 
They filled our souls with sorrow ; 

51 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

There was a true interpreter, 

Explained them on the morrow." 

"The lad is yet in durance vile, 
Deprived of liberty; 

Let him be brought — you need not smile- 
Things hidden he can see." 

To make this story short we say, 
That Joseph soon was brought. 

To whom the king said, "Tell, I pray, 
What wonders will be wrought?" 

He told the king: "To God belongs 

The things in future store ; 
He blesses all, and rights their wrongs ; 

He reigns forevermore." 

"But this," said he, "to me is given. 

Thy visions to declare ; 
The dreams are one ; the seven, seven, 

Make sure, for it prepare." 

"For seven years in all the earth. 
There shall abundance grow, 

Then seven more of frightful dearth 
Shall follow, well I know." 
52 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

"This do, and thou shalt honored be, 

By all who hear thy name; 
Appoint some man of equity, 

A royal tax to claim." 

"And in the plenteous years let him 
Build barns and sheds for grain, 

So, when the famine has grown grim. 
Thy servants won't complain." 

When Pharaoh saw the thing aright, 

He said : "Thou art the man. 
For who like thee has such foresight, 

Our future life to scan?" 

"Let all the lords of Egypt bow, 

When Joseph passeth by; 
No secret will his God allow. 

Hid from his searching eye." 

"Let him forget his life of shame. 

Through much dominion given; 
Who prays must pray through Joseph's name.'' 

(A type of Christ, in heaven.) 



^3 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



Part IV. 

Inus, time can work a wondrous change; 

Now Joseph hath great power, 
There is no limit to his range, 

His home's a lovely bower. 

He has two children and a wife, 

A woman of great beauty, 
To cheer and comfort him in life, 

And aid him in his duty. 

His servants bow at his command 

And careful him obey; 
His face is known throughout the land. 

Where seen from day to day. 

No wonder, when his brothers come. 

They did not know the man. 
Who questioned them about their home, 

In far off Canaan's land. 

He asked them of their father, old. 

And was he still alive? 
How many were there in his fold? 

Did mother still survive? 

54 



WM. YANCEY ERWINr 

They answered him in simple style : 

"Of us there once were twelve, 
The ten you see here by the Nile, 

One helping father delve." 

"And one, alas ! we know not where ; 

We fear that he is dead, 
How oft we wish that he might share 

Our shelter and our bread." 

" 'Tis well," replied the ruler, stern, 

"But thou art surely spies, 
The weakness of this land to learn. 

Now prove thy words no lies." 

"Here, marshal, take these Canaanites, 

And put them in a cell. 
Where they may study on their plights, 

And learn the truth to tell." 

Three days, three sleepless nights, they stayed, 

Like thieves in durance vile. 
Though prayers like theirs were never prayed 

Before, upon the Nile. 

But then the ruler did relent, 
And said: "This will I do, 

55 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Keep one in ward while nine are sent, 
To prove your words be true." 

"Bring down your youngest brother, Ben, 

And show him unto me, 
That I may know you are true men ; 

With such our trade is free." 

"But, if ye do not bring him down, 

No more my face you'll see, 
I swear, by Pharaoh's royal crown. 

This is a firm decree." 

"So lade your beasts with sacks of corn. 

And hie ye to your mother ; 
Your future hope will be forlorn, 

If ye bring not your brother." 

He filled their sacks with golden grain, 

And gave their money back, 
By putting all the coin again 

In each and ev'ry sack. 

Thus, in the anguish of their hearts, 

A little hope was given, 
As lash of conscience — though its smarts — 

Gives brighter hopes of heaven, 
56 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

At feeding time, as home they went, 
Their hearts were filled with pleasure, 

Besides their corn the money spent, 
Was in their sacks, full measure. 

On second thought they were afraid 
That this was some temptation, 

Designingly before them laid, 
Toi curse their tribe and nation. 

Just so, too oft, when we would do 

An act of human kindness, 
To whom we deemed some help was due, 

We're doubted, through this blindness. 



Part V. 

Now, Jacob's sons got home at last, 
And safely brought their corn ; 

They told their father what had passed. 
Through Reuben, his first born. 

They made a f.east and killed a calf — 
It seems that fruit was plenty — 

.The heads of tribes were found just half 
The mystic number, twenty. 

57 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

But soon, Ah soon, their corn was spent 

They had to feed so many ; 
Then Jacob called them to his tent, 

And said, ''Go, all, save Benny." 

"To Egypt haste, buy us more bread. 
Leave here your babes and wives ; 

Take presents to the king," he said, 
"Perhaps he'll save your lives." 

"But Benny I will not let go. 

He is too young and tender ; 
Besides, a lad like him, you know, 

Might passion's power engender." 

"You had no right to tell the king. 

That you this brother had ; 
With sorrow you, my death would bring, 

If I should lose the lad." 

"My darling Joseph, long since dead, 

And Simeon now in prison. 
Is grief enough for my old head 

To make it lose its reason." 

"I've asked the Lord to stay my grief, 
And give me some respite, 
58 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

But since my cry brings no relief, 
My faith is needing sight." 

"There is a mystery surrounds 
Your sad and gruesome story 

Of Joseph's death, which always sounds 
To me like allegory." 

"But yet he's gone, and I'm bereft ; 

Yea, Simeon, too, is lost; 
If Benny goes no hope is left — 

My soul is tempest tossed." 

Then Judah said, 'Trust him with me, 

I'll surely bring him back; 
If not, my children I'll give thee, 

To torture on the rack." 

"There is no use to ask us go 
Except we take this brother, 

That we our truthfulness may show 
And thereby save the other." 

"Who must remain in durance vile 
As hostage till they prove us ; 

We will not go a single mile ; 
Thy words can never move us, 

59! 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

''Unless thou send with us the lad, 

To bring us into grace, 
The king would justly be too mad 

To let us see his face." 

Then Jacob said, ''Let it be so ; 

The Lord our souls can save ; 
Now take the lad but this well know, 

His loss will fill my grave." 

"Now, this, ye do, take balm and oil, 

A present for the king; 
With grapes and nuts, fruits of our soil, 

And don't forget to sing." 

"For music hath a subtile charm. 

The soul to pacify ; 
It takes the strength from Satan's arm. 

And makes him from us fly." 

"And, lest there should have been mistake, 

And that excuse would lend 
The promise of the king to break. 

And lose him as our friend," 

"Take back the money that was found 
Hid in your sacks of grain, 

60 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

And to each half just add a pound, 
To cover up all blame." 

"There seems to be, some studied plan 

Our honesty to prove, 
So that the king with justice can 

Our people hate or love." 

With these remarks and many more 
Their people said ''good bye." 

The famine in the land was sore, 
They had to go, or die. 

Part VI. 

Their journey was without event 
Until they reached the palace 

Of him to whom they had been sent, 
Who drank from golden chalice. 

But there they marveled, with great fear. 
And said things looked suspicious, 

Like guilty souls who will declare 
All acts of Love malicious. 

A conscience, if diseased by sin. 
Is always doubting others ; 
6i 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

But if a man is right within, 
He views all men as brothers. 

Now Judah, with a trembling voice, 

The steward did accost. 
"The price," said he, "of our invoice. 

We think to you was lost." 

*'For, each of us his money found, 
Which fills our souls with trouble, 

So we've returned it ev'ry pound. 
And to it we add double." 

"Thy servants strive to honest be. 
And pay for what they get." 

The steward said, "That mystery 
Will clear up, never fret." 

"I had thy money in my hand 
And thou art not to blame ; 

Now wash thyself for thou must stand 
And learn my Master's name." 

"His dining hour is close at hand, 
And thou must be his guest, 

His grace is felt throughout the land. 
Our people call him 'Bless'd.' " 
62 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Now Judah's eyes with wonder grew, 

He felt his heart grow faint, 
For if, thought he, those words be true, 

That man must be a saint. 

So how to act and what to say. 

His Majesty to please. 
That they in peace might go their way, 

Gave all of them ill ease. 

And while they mused on what they saw. 

As guilty souls will muse, 
When brought before God's righteous law. 

Humility they choose. 

And, as the ruler gave command. 

The hostage was brought out, 
So now he stood among the band, 

The happiest one, no doubt. 

For he had feared, his father would 

Not let young Benny come; 
If not, he knew he never could 

Again see home, sweet home. 



63 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



Part VIL 



As Joseph now to dinner came, 

They all with one accord 
Made their obeisance to his name, 

They called him "Gracious Lord." 

And he to soothe their -guilty fears 

Bid them be of good cheer, 
Yet, to restrain his flood of tears, 

Used an interpreter. 

He asked about their health and home. 

And said, "Is this the lad 
I bade you bring, when next you come? 

To see you I am glad." 

"Here, steward, set a royal meal, 
These strangers must be fed ; 

From my command make no appeal, 
Bring forth the wine and bread." 

The steward seemed to know the law. 
And gave to each according ; 

The like before they never saw, 
Such knowledge in rewarding. 

64 



WM. YANCEY ERIVIN. 

All had enough, but Benny's mess 
Was five times that of others ; 

When that was seen it caused distress, 
Among his elder brothers. 

Now, when the wine was passed around. 

And they had freely drank. 
They told their host what they had found, 

But knew not whom to thank, 

''Our money was full weight," said they, 
'Tn each one's sack of grain, 

We broughL it back and also pay, 
For what we want again." 

But, Joseph changed the subject soon 
And asked about their father. 

Whose years, if reckoned by the moon, 
Need not the critics bother. 

As time flew on, they knew not why, 
They wished their stay was longer. 

We know not, 'til we say good bye, 
Our friendships have grown stronger. 

But soon the parting time must come. 
And, though we dread the day, 

65 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

*'We, now, must take our journey home," 
I hear those brothers say. 

The king arose and called again 

His faithful steward, black, 
And said, ''Fill all those sacks with grain. 

And put the money back." 

"Now, when the sacks are all filled up. 

And money placed inside, 
Take this — your master's silver cup — 

In Benny's sack, it hide." 

It soon was done as he had bid; 

Ere long they were departed; 
They criticised what each one did. 

But all were merry hearted. 

Though soon, alas ! their mirth must end, 
And laughter turn to weeping; 

The steward now must apprehend 
Who has the cup in keeping. 

He took a cordon of the guard 

That served about the city. 
And pressed upon their pathway hard, 

Like one who knew no pity. 
66 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

At sight of them, he yelled command, 
''Hey ! halt ! young men in season ; 

I have a warrant in my hand, 
That charges you with treason." 

Thus, in an angry tone, he said, 
**Now see what ye have done, 

An evil act for good ye paid, 
Then off ye try to run." 

Then Judah said, 'T pray explain, 
What charge is this ye bring? 

We paid good money for your grain. 
We have not wronged your king." 

The steward said, "Nay, please dry up. 

Your words are idle play, 
You stole my master's silver cup. 

And now would steal away." 

"But, know ye now, a man like he 

Can certainly divine; 
You need not try to hide from me, 

My master's eye is fine." 

Then Judah said, "Canst thou but find 
With us thy master's goods, 
67 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

Our souls his slaves we hereby bind, 
To serve through flames and floods." 

The steward said, "Nay, but with whom 

I find the property. 
He is my slave, the rest go home ; 

I'll set all others free." 

The search began with Judah first, 
(Their sacks were on the ground) 

But soon, ah, soon ! they knew the worst — 
With Ben the cup was found. 

They rent their clothes and tore their hair. 
Each smote his heaving breast 

In token of complete despair 
At Benjamin's arrest. 

Then Judah to his brothers said, 

"This, let us quickly do, 
Return to where we last brake bread, 

And there for pardon sue." 

"Perhaps the king will show us grace, 

If we the truth will tell, 
If Ben must sufifer with disgrace 

We'll go with him to hell." 
68 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



Part VIII. 

Then did they lade their beasts once more, 

And to their Lord return, 
Who met them at the palace door, 

But not their souls to burn. 

They cast themselves upon the ground, 

And never ceased to pray, 
'Til Joseph's love, which knew no bound, 

Forced him to turn away. 

While Judah told, in broken strain, 

The cause of all their sorrow. 
He said, *'Our crime is made so plain, 

It fills our souls with horror." 

"Our righteousness we can not plead, 

Thy favor to obtain ; 
Though humble lives thy servants lead. 

Our guilt is made too plain." 

"Til, therefore, tell to thee the truth. 

And keep no secrets back; 
A crime committed in our youth 

Has kept upon our track." 
6q 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

''We had a brother, youn-g and gay, 

Our father loved him well, 
Who came to visit us one day, 

When we upon him fell." 

''We stripped him of his lovely coat, 

And hid him in a cave; 
Instead of him we slew a goat, 

But sold him as a slave." 

"We dipped his lovely coat in blood, 

Blood of the goat we slew, 
Our father's tears came as a flood 

For, Joseph's coat he knew." 

"He thought some beast his child had torn. 

And mourned for many days; 
His life of happiness was shorn, 

And, still, for him he prays." 

"He had one other child, you see, 

The ofifspring of same mother. 
This lad, who standeth here by me, 

Is Joseph's younger brother." 

"And if he, too, should not be found, 
When we from hence shall go, 
70 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

'Twould lay our father 'neath the ground, 
He could not stand such woe." 

"And I, lest I should see the death, 

My sins brought on my sire, 
Beseech thee, with my failing breath, 

Let me endure thine ire." 

"But let this lad go home again. 

And hold me as thy slave ; 
I'll never at my lot complain, 

If thou the lad will save." 

When Joseph saw their penitence, 

His bowels in him yearned ; 
He fell on Benny's neck; and thence, 

To' greet the others turned. 

But, lest his servants should behold 
His weakness through his love, 

He had them thrust without the fold, 
'Til he their works could prove. 

He knew his brothers tended flocks. 
And did not till the soil. 

While Egypt's farms — laid off in blocks- 
Just teemed with wine and oil. 
71 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And Egypt's sons held in disdain, 

A shepherd's roving Hfe — 
Just why, the record is not plain. 

It states no cause for strife. 

(We know that Egypt, when divin'd. 
Means, "one who troubles thee." 

In all the walks of life we find 
Some envious of the free. 

And, through their envy and their lust. 
Would let no free man stand. 

For, this, their motto, "Make or bust, 
We'll rule this fruitful land.") 

Part IX. 

Now, when the servants were gone out 
It seemed the King was mad ; 

His majesty began to shout, 
"God bless thee, little lad." 

"And you, my brothers, one and all, 

I'll open now your eyes ; 
Be not afraid on me to call. 

You have my sympathies." 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

"I am Joseph, whom ye sold 

To traders long ago; 
Do not, for that, each other scold, 

I save your lives, you know." 

"The Lord has meant your act for good, 

To save much souls alive; 
His works and ways, if understood. 

Would make all people thrive." 

"What though your act for harm was meant, 

If it a blessing bring? 
You should not for that act repent. 

But praise the Heavenly King," 

"Who worketh all things here for good 

To those who heed His call, 
Whose Kingdom has forever stood. 

Whose Throne can never fall." 

"Go tell my father Joseph lives. 

And rules the land of Ham ; 
To whom he will he pardon gives, 

And never wills to damn.' 

"Take with thee wagons when ye go, 
And bring my father down, 

7^ 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

That he may see, and seeing, know, 
I wear a regal crown." 

The turmoil of their joyous shout. 
Was heard in Pharaoh's court. 

So that he asked his lords about 
The cause of so much sport. 

They said, ''Why, Joseph's brethren came, 

And he hath made a feast. 
We did not learn each fellow's name. 

But Benny was the least." 

Then Pharaoh sent a messenger, 

To Joseph in great haste, 
To say the King was glad to hear, 

His Lordship used such taste. 

"This do," said he, 'T know you love. 

Your people with devotion, 
Take teams and wagons and remove 

Them to the land of Goshen." 

"Bring down your brothers, first, to me, 
And let me give them charge ; 

I can but love them and through thee, 
They shall my joy enlarge." 

74 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

"1 know not why the law was made, 

By rulers of my nation, 
That Hebrews of ev'ry shade, 

Are an abomination." 

"1 know Egyptians are a race. 
That brook no double dealing, 

And Jews with them are out of place. 
For want of some such feeling." 

"Besides the Hebrews have but one, 
While Egypt's Gods are many; 

They heal our sorrows give us fun. 
And help us earn a penny." 

'*We sometimes think perhaps a God, 

Is after all, a notion ; 
But when we feel affliction's rod. 

It drives us to devotion." 

''Command thy people, in my name, 

To move without delay; 
I'll heal their wants and cure their shame. 

And all expenses pay." 

"But, hold ! I have not asked their trade, 
What is their line of battle?" 

75 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Then Joseph smiled, and softly said, 
*Thy servants handle cattle." 

''Well," said the King, "If thou shouldst know. 

Some experts with the flock, 
Send them to me, I'll have them go. 

To feed and tend my stock." 

Soon, all was ready to depart. 

To bring their substance down ; 
Then Joseph said, "To prove thy heart, 

I feigned that angry frown." 

"But, now, with earnestness I speak. 

Fail not^ to watch and pray ; 
Let each the other's pleasure seek. 

Fall not out by the way." 

"And when you to my father come. 

Bid him to Egypt flee ; 
Two years of famine now is done, 

Yet five more years shall be." 

"Give no regard for all your stuflf, 

For I will nourish thee." 
When Jacob heard, he said, "Enough, 

I'll Joseph's face go see." 
76 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN, 

''But let us start aright, my sons, 
Heed well what I shall say, 

Make all your wives and little ones, 
Their idols put away." 

"And serve the God our fathers knew, 

For He, alone, is just; 
His promise made extends to you. 

If you will on Him trust." 

"Let doubts no more our hope betray. 
Nor mildew spread its bhght; 

For God will answer when we pray. 
And bless our faith with sight." 




77 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



A W. VA. WEDDING. 

Miss Stella Lee 

Was sweet to see 
Though downcast' were her looks, 

As up she stood 

And vowed she would 
Obey young Freddie Brooks. 

And Freddie, too, 

Was firm and true. 
And said he'd ever be 

A faithful friend 

And prompt attend 
The wants of Stella Lee. 

Then Harkins old 

A preacher bold 
Declared those two were one; 

And so through life 

As man and wife, 
Might share each other's fun. 
78 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

The form he used 

Must be excused 
'Twas short, but covered well, 

The law and fact. 

With equal tact 
We've tried the news to tell. 




79 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 



IF I BUT MIGHT. 

Might I but kiss thy smiHng cheek 
And take thy form in fond embrace, 

No greater bliss on earth I'd seek, 
No other form could take thy place ; 

And shouldst thou try thyself to free, 

"Still would I kiss and cling to thee." 

Might I but see thy laughing eyes 
On me in loving kindness bent, 

'Twould fill my soul with ecstasies. 
For which, I never could repent; 

But I'd proceed without delay, 

To thee my greatest homage pay. 

Might I but have the blissful thought 
That thou didst all my love repay, 

rd spurn the idols wealth had bought. 
And prostrate at thy feet I'd lay ; 

And, shouldst thou deign to raise me up 

I'd sate my soul from Cupid's cup. 

80 



IV M. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Might I but take thy dainty hand 
And lead thee where the HUes grow, 

I'd see them blush and bowing stand 
Before thy stature white as snow ; 

For in thy presence, I am sure. 

That they could never look so pure. 

Might I but kiss those lips of thine, 
And drink the nectar of thy breath, 

Thy lovely form mine arms entwine, 
I'd thus remain 'til death 

Should, with relentless, cruel stroke. 

Descend to break our loving yoke. 

Might I but rend the naughty veil 
That thinks to hide thy lovely form. 

Thy bosom's battlements assail, 

And take thy noble heart by storm ; 

I'd of thy soul a pris'ner make. 

And at love's fount my thirst I'd slake. 

Might I but press thy heaving breast, 
And feel the throbbing of thy heart, 

I'd seek in heaven no sweeter rest, 
Nor seek on earth from thee to part; 

But as thy soul should mine caress, 

I'd closer to thy bosom press. 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Might I but claim thee as mine own, 

I'd happy as a monarch be ; 
And monarch never owned a throne 

Fd willing take in lieu of thee ; 
No gem that ever dazzled eyes, 
I'd think to take for thee, my prize. 

Might I but know thou wouldst extend 
The scepter to my waiting heart. 

And that our souls should sweetly blend. 
In unison no more to part, 

'T would fill my soul with joy so great, 

I'd grudge the time I had to wait. 

Might I but have thee, maiden fair, 

To all my future life adorn, 
I'd deck thy brow with garlands rare. 

And own a sail for ev'ry storm; 
For thou in giving me heart-ease, 
Wouldst calm the storms on all life's seas. 

Might I but hear thy charming voice 
In sounds of melody proclaim: 

"Thou art the object of my choice. 
And I would willing bear thy name," 

Fd give to thee the wedding ring. 

And ever of thy beauty sing. 

82 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Might I but bring thee to my home, 
And crown thee queen of all my joy, 

I never more would seek to roam, 

For thou wouldst all my time employ ; 

In thought and deed I'd ever prove 

The worthy object of thy love. 




83 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



DEWEY AT MANILA. 

On the bosom of thy. waters fair Manila Bay, 
Our Hero was seen at the dawn of the day ; 
His war ships for action were drawn up in Hne, 
His work of destruction began at a sign. 

And thus was accomplished the ruin of Spain, 

At the bottom her gun boats must ever remain ; 

Not one of her vessels was left to escape, 

To the bottom he sank them, they're out of the scrape. 

Let the harp and the lyre be tuned to proclaim, 
The vengeance we got for their sinking the Maine ; 
Eleven for one is the price they must pay. 
When collection is made by our Hero — Dewey. 



84 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN 



QUO VADIS. 

Not yet! not yet! (O, mad'ning thought!) 
Can Faith lay hold of Christ, the Way, 

Whose blood the race of sinners bought, 
And turned our darkness into day. 

What proofs could more His love proclaim, 
What could He do He has not done? 

If thou art lost who bears the blame? 
God gave for thee His only Son. 

Who beckons thee, with outstretched hands, 
And bids thee to His banquet come. 

His death atoned, the Law's demands. 
And purchased thee a shining home. 

Then, why will doubt make thee delay? 

Arise, cast ofif thy guilty fear ; 
The Lord hath promised, when we pray. 

To lend to us His listening ear. 



^$ 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



THE DAYS OF YORE. 

As in the evening twilight dim, 

I dream of bygone days, 
Thy lovely form doth seem to swim 

Before my 'raptured gaze. 

I strive to clasp in fond embrace 
Thy form, and bid it stay. 

But, just as Nature hides her face. 
The vision fades away. 

And I in deepest gloom am left 

To battle life alone ; 
Of hope and joy I am bereft 

Since thou from me art gone. 

A candle snuffed I seem to be ; 

A marsh's meteor lamp; 
A bursted bubble on life's sea ; 

A giant bound with cramp. 

Since thou art gone I realize 

That life means more than living, 
86 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 

A heart that's full of sympathies, 
Will ever be forgiving. 

Since death's ordeal thou hast pass'd, 
And crossed the darksome river, 

My barque must drift with broken mast, 
I've lost my "Bow and Quiver." 

I feel a void earth can not fill, 

A chasm dark and deep, 
Where mind must grope without a will. 

Where eyes must know no sleep. 




87 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



SMILES AND WORDS OF CHEER. 

When my heart is sad and lonely, 
And I feel bowed down with care, 

I can find a solace only 

In thy smiles and words of cheer. 

Thou art first in my affection, 
And I often think, how queer 

Life assumes a new complexion 
By thy smiles and words of cheer. 

Though I write ten thousand pages. 

On each letter shed a tear, 
Thou couldst for it 'give full wages. 

By thy smiles and words of cheer. 

Though the imps of worlds infernal, 
At my fruitless hopes should jeer, 

Still, in hope, I'd keep a journal 
Of thy smiles and words of cheer. 

Thou canst drive away my sorrow, 
And will conquer all my fear, 

If I see thee on the morrow, 
With thy smiles and words of cheer, 



WiVL YANCEY ERVVIN. 



THANKSGIVING. 

Since earth was formed and time began, 
The world has seen no purer man, 
Than He, to whom we set apart, 
This day, with joyous, thankful heart. 
His name henceforth, throughout the ages, 
Shall honored be by all the sages. 

The shackles from sin's slaves He broke, 

And freed us from its galling yoke. 
And for His death that set us free. 
We find great cause to thankful be, 

And tune our hearts to sing His praise, 

And fill our lives with holy days. 

We thank Him for His matchless grace. 
By which we see His smiling face ; 
We thank Him for the dew and rain 
That fill our garners full of grain; 
We thank Him for our life and health. 
Both which we value more than wealth, 

89 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

We thank Him for His guidin-g star, 
That lights our course in peace and war, 
And if He choose to send us death. 
We'll thank Him with our failing breath; 
And when from death He sets us free, 
We'll thank Him through Eternity. 



\J. XJ 



90 



WA4. YANCEY ERWIN. 



LULA HALL. 

While thunders through the welkin ring, 

And rain in torrents fall ; 
I'll of the grace and beauty sing 

Of darling Lula Hall. 

Her eyes are bright as diamonds rare, 

'Neath brows of inky pall; 
A realm of beauty is the hair, 

Of darling Lula Hall. 

Her lips like rubies set with pearl, 

I love her name to call, 
You'll never find a sweeter girl. 

Than darling Lula Hall. 

Her stature is so full of grace, 

Neither too low nor tall ; 
A pleasant smile lights up the face. 

Of darling Lula Hall. 

Her hands to charity are lent. 
She comforts one and all, 
91 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

We view her as an angel sent, 
This darhng Lula Hall. 

With her upon the sea of life, 
I'd fear no sudden squall, 

No element could 'gender strife, 
With darling Lula Hall. 

My head could find its sweetest rest, 

Upon this earthly ball, 
While pillowed on the balmy breast. 

Of darling Lula Hall. 




0^ 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



PARTING. 

Since winter's chilling winds have passed, 
And buds and blooms are here at last, 
Let Cupid with his fiery dart, 
Approach and warm thy icy heart. 

Since I at last in truth have shown, 

Its ice is firmer than a stone. 
And in thy bosom so compact, 
It will not yield to pointed fact. 

Perhaps some sun with rays of flattery. 
Can beat old Truth's Electric Battery. 
So let that sun throu'gh others shine, 
For truth alone I claim as mine. 

And if it fails to warm thy heart, 

I'll use no other Cupid dart. 

But strive to break the magic spell. 
And say in truth, dear love, farewell. 



93 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



GENESIS OF RACES. 

As man from out of dust was made, 
He loves old "Mother Earth," 

To cure his loneliness, 'tis said. 
He gave a woman birth. 

A door was ope'd in Adam's side, 
Through which dear woman come ; 

So Adam claimed her for a bride, 
And furnished her a home. 

His neighbors came Miss Eve to see, 
None called her Mrs. Adam; 

The orang-outang and chimpanzee, 
Were jealous of the madam. 

For Adam had with them agreed. 

To propagate his species. 
And now Miss Eve would own his seed, 

If by him she increases. 

So, up they cocked their tails and went, 
Across the desert waste, 

94 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

And settled on a continent, 
More suited to their taste. 

To one of them a babe was born, 

In evening's balmy hush, 
Of hair and tail, that babe was shorn. 

His Mother called him Cush. 

The other felt affliction's rod, 

And for it took atropia; 
She named the country ''Land of Nod," 

But baby Ethiopia. 

She, too, was minus hair and tail 

Except upon her head; 
So those two mothers did not fail 

To have those children wed. 

Now those two children when they grew 

To man and womanhood, 
Just tho't their kindred they would shew. 

How uprightly they stood. 

So, arm in arm, they went away. 

And started in that place. 
The people that we call today 

The Afro-negro race. 

95 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Those children stood upon their pride, 
And rode about on donkeys; 

Their mothers though still multiplied 
And filled that land with monkeys. 

But none of us have followed well, 
The course marked out by nature; 

For we, like they, from grace all fell, 
Yet use more nomenclature. 

Here let us turn and view again 
The home of Eve and Adam, 

Who occupy a sterile plain. 
Where troubles often sad 'em. 

Since Eve, to show her willingness 

With mysteries to grapple, 
Made of her mouth a cider press, 

And crushed a bitter apple. 

And, when her stomach ceased to pain. 

She called her husband Adam, 
And said, "Your ignorance is vain, 
. I'm glad that I have had 'em." 

"Come, eat a piece, and be more wise, 
Than any base quadruped ; 

96 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

I now can see with clearer eyes, 
How long we've both been stupid." 

So Adam ate, to please his wife. 

But great afflictions brought; 
He should have said, ''Not on your Hfe, 

I've been much better taught." 

The greatest trouble Adam had, 

Was brought about by Cain, 
Whose course from infancy was bad; 

By him was Abel slain. 

Yet, to protect him from the rod, 

The Lord sent guilty Cain 
To occupy the Land of Nod, 

And there a living gain. 

He took a wife whose name was Save, 

A woman black as coley, 
While he was red — you know a knave, 

Don't care for deeds unholy. 

From them there sprang the Yellow Race, 

A cross those two between. 
In Eastern countries still a trace 

Of them, is plainly seen. 

97 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

For, there we find the Chinaman, 

Japanese, and Hindu, 
Who occupy the Eastern land. 

And prove this story true. 

Still, Adam had another son, 
We read his name was Seth ; 

He was by far a better one. 
So died a peaceful death. 

He had some daughters, too, 'tis said. 
Of most transcendent beauty. 

The Sons of God some of them wed. 
An act of doubtful duty. 

From them a race of -giants sprung, 
Who filled the world with trouble; 

They tribute from their fellows wrung. 
But God soon paid them double. 

For he a flood of waters sent 

Their country to destroy. 
Yet told them if they would repent. 

He'd fill their souls with joy. 

Now, Noah was a righteous man. 
Who led an upright life, 

98 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

So God revealed to him a plan 
To save himself and wife. 

And all his sons and all their wives, 

Had, too, a promise given, 
That they through him should save their lives, 

And reach a peaceful haven. 

They built an ark of gopher wood, 

And safely housed inside it; 
It weathered out that dreadful flood. 

Nor evil did betide it. 

It landed on a mountain top, 

And, tremblingly, it there sat; 
They trembled when they felt it stop, 

And called that mount "Ararat." 

If here we jump a thousand years, 

Again, the world is bad; ^ 
So Moses, man of God, appears 

To comfort and make glad. 

All those who practice righteousness. 

Are by him led along, 
Yet, when they reach the wilderness. 

We see them getting wrong. 
99 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

For, with them went a multitude, 
Drawn out of ev'ry nation ; 

As Moses would not them exclude, 
They proved an aggravation. 

So Moses thought, to end the strife. 

And set a new example, 
He'd take to him a negro wife, 

And on old customs trample. 

But soon, alas ! his sister came, 

And criticised the match; 
Then next his brother did the same. 

And treason tried to hatch. 

But God, who judges right we know, 

Oft using crimes of some 
His mercy to the whole to show, 

Down in His anger come. 

And smote with leprosy those two, 

Who thought to criticise 
And set at naught that brother who 

Was prone to sympathize. 

He made their color white as snow, 
And gave to us the reason, 



100 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

That we might see, and seeing know, 
Their crime was that of treason. 

The Hebrew race before was red, 

As critics must allow ; 
The yellow and the black we've said, 

Were made — just when and how. 

So, now we'll end this novel tale, 
And will not add more facts on. 

For here we've found, the maid and male, 
That heads the Anglo-Saxon. 




lOI 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



WAYWARDNESS. 

While floating down the stream of life, 

Our souls by love united, 
I had a husband, thou a wife, 

But, still, our troth we plighted. 

A hidden rock lay in our course, 
And wrecked our ship of pleasure; 

Those blinding tears were my recourse, 
I suffered beyond measure. 

Hard as I strove it was in vain, 

My love I could not hide, 
And though that fact gives greater pain, 

I'll by the truth abide. 

But oh ! how hard it is to know. 

So far we're separated. 
That we affection cannot show, 

Nor hope to e'er be mated. 

Oh, love, thou promised cord of bliss ! 
Canst thou, on earth, be broken, 

102 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

And cause the loved for'er to miss 
Thy substance and its token? 

Would not a look, a smile, a bow, 

Again bring us together? 
Or must our lives remain as now, 

Like dark and gloomy weather? 

Oh ! couldst thou but remember, dear. 
When thoughtless words were spoken, 

The time, the place, the month, the year, 
When lamp was almost broken. 

How could a heart so free from sin. 

As thine I know to be. 
The wrecking process thus begin? 

Those words wrecked only me. 

For thou may'st yet much pleasure find. 

In learning woman's nature ; 
A living study for thy mind, 

But death to her, poor creature. 

Yet when I think of happy days, 

And meetings full of bliss. 
My heart for thee finds naught but praise. 

Though sunk in an abyss. 

103 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

There's graven on my mind till yet, 

That blissful third of May, 
When I, all prudence, did forget. 

And deigned with thee to play. 

And when I take a retrospect 
Through memory's teary fog, 

I cannot help but to expect 
Thee, seated on that log. 

And can it be since years have passed, 
I still must ask more proof? 

Were not the words you spoke too fast. 
It still ''rains on the roof." 

But I must hear the drops alone — 

Oh ! aching heart be still ! 
Thy love long since from me has flown. 

The void I cannot fill. 

I own I've tried, but tried in vain, 

And now the truth confess. 
E'en death, to me would lose its pain, 

If met for thy caress. 

The cruel blow has come at last, 
And wakes me from my slumber, 

104 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

My loving heart from thee is cast, 
Ne'er more may it encumber, 

The thoughts of him who gave it rest, 
And filled my soul with pleasure: 

Thy life another's love has blessed, 
Yet robbed me of my treasure. 

And now to fate I am resigned, 

For thou art unrelenting, 
I see the thought creep o'er thy mind, 

To spurn me for repenting. 

Farewell, dear friend, for thou hast been 
To me, of friends the greatest, 

Yet wish I now thou ne'er had seen. 
In me the love thou hatest. 

Yet, as the cord that bound our hearts, 

With thee was only study 
Of Nature's laws in all their parts 

Which purer minds would muddy, 

I should have known it would not hold, 
But soon, ah, soon, be broken ; 

Yet how could I withstand such bold 
Impassioned words when spoken. 

105 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Can it be true thou didst deceive, 
And for me love was feigning? 

That is a point I don't believe, 
Though of it I'm complaining. 

It serves thee wrong, I'll bear the blame, 

And for it now atone. 
With passion's soul consuming flame, 

For thee and thee alone. 

I hope, alas ! but hope in vain. 

The scepter soon to see. 
Which bids me share thy love again, 

But, oh! that ne'er can be. 

Still one request and only, one. 
The last I e'er shall make — 

Be patient hear me 'til I'm done. 
Thou needst not fear nor quake. 

The granting will not compromise 

Thy honor in the least; 
May I but see thee with mine eyes. 

And give my soul a feast? 

Then tell me with thy tongue so true^ 
To stop my daily weeping, 

io6 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Is love for me now dead with you, 
Or is it only sleeping? 

If dead, then let me with it die, 

For life hath lost its charms; 
If sleeping, then, O, let me fly 

And sleep within its arms ! 

Now, if a meeting thou wilt grant, 

I'll surely be on hand. 
With me there's no such word as can't. 

When thou dost give command. 

Our mutual friend will do to trust. 

With him I send credentials, 
With him thou safely canst adjust, 

The minutest essentials. 

THE MESSENGER'S REPORT. 

Dear friend, prepare thy anxious heart 

The truth at last to know. 
His love was lacking from the start. 

He plainly told me so. 

Although your friendship much be praised, 
And virtue complimented, 

107 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

He plainly showed he was amazed, 
And long since had repented. 

All offers were by him declined, 
Yet not with angry scorning, 

Still, freely, he expressed his mind, 
With many a friendly warning. 

He could not see for all his life. 
How matters could be better ; 

You have a husband, he a wife. 
He would not choose to fret her. 

He told of others just as bad, 

Who had a like delusion. 
He did not wish to make folks mad, 

But would not work confusion. 




io8 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



MENTAL TELEPATHY. 

O, whispering breeze, 

As you waft o'er the seas, 
Like a messenger sent from above, 

Pause in your flight, 

And for me tonight 
Bear a message to one that I love. 

With your load of perfume, 

You may enter her room. 
And I know she will welcome your call; 

If she sleeps, drive away 

All the cares of the day, 
Let no visions affright her at all. 

But when she's at ease, 

O, whispering breeze. 
Then fan with soft zephyrs her brow; 

In a dream let her see, 

This message from me, 
With love fill her heart for me now. 

Then, whispering breeze, 
Waft back o'er the seas, 
109 



ORIGIXAL POEMS. 

And bring me a loving reply 
FrcHn the maid that I love, 
So far, far above 

--^v ::r-cr 'neath the blue skv. 



, a - . . i . --■- : 



Thus hec 

Though sunirrei Acart, 

I- cdntrles divided by seas. 
r ; : : i 1 itn to wnte, 
Tiiey or earn ev ry night. 

And talk to the whisperiiie breeze. 




no 



WM. YAXCEY ERJVIN. 



:my darling. 

\\'hat makes my heart so sad and drear. 
With clouds and rain, and never clear? 
What makes my hope bow down to fear. 
My darling? 

When shall the scenes be more sublime? 
When shall this heart be changed for thine 
When shall I call thee wholly mine. 
My darling? 

Time speeds for some, but drags for me, 
^Lj weeks grow to eternity. 
And they are short, alone, with thee, 
]My darling. 

If thou but hadst some magic art. 
By which to read this loving heart. 
From thee thou wouldst not let it part. 
My darling. 

O, let me to thy bosom fly. 
Let joy be bom, let sorrow die. 
Let heaven be now. not by and by. 
My darling. 

Ill 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



THE HONEY BEE. - 

Among the flowers we often see, 

The busy little honey bee ; 

It flits about from flower to flower, 

It sucks the sweet, but leaves the sour. 

Let us from this a lesson take, 
And try the bee to imitate, 
For life is as a blooming tree, 
And each of us a buzzing bee. 

If we a sweeter life would live, 
Let us with honey fill the hive ; 
Yet if a foe should trouble bring, 
Teach him a bee can also sting. 



112 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



MR. BELL'S BABY. 

Mine vife unt I sum paby gits. 
Ze air mit schreems dot paby sphlitz, 
Vot makes him dake such tretful fits, 
I vonter. 

He schleebs py tay unt schreems py night, 
Unt den I vakes unt makes sum Hght, 
Unt schwells me oop mit anger dight, 
From unter. 

But den I dinks him nod sum veil, 
Pecause him raise sum louter yell, 
Unt den I calls for Mistress Bell, 
Py tunder. 



113 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



BOTH SIDES. 

They sing about the Sunny South, 
With orange groves and flowers, 

But seldom speak about the drouth. 
That spoils those lovely bowers. 

Give me the bracing winds that blow 
Throughout the north and west, 

Where winter gives a cloak of snow, 
With which the earth is dressed. 

'Tis here the girls with rosy cheeks, 
Muffed up in furs so warm, 

Will play at snowball in the streets 
And never dream of harm. 

And when the evening shades appear. 
That bid them cease such pleasure, 

They'll gather in the cottage dear,— 
Their greatest earthly treasure. 

They do not frown and pout and pet, 
Like pampered, parlor vixen. 

But help their mothers meals to get. 
And sweep and scrub the kitchen. 
114 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

'Tis nature's bloom that paints their checks, 

That rosy healthful hue, 
On them the chemist never seeks 

Old Nature to out-do. 

O, who would change this healthful clime, 

With robust men and maids, 
For southlands endless summer time, 

And orange orchard shades? 

Or who would change the buoyant girl. 

With time in labor spent, 
For Terpsichorean's rythmic whirl, 

Or parlor ornament? 

5{i * * 

You may talk about your Yankee girls. 

Who play on snow and ice. 
Who dress in fur and wear false curls. 

And seem so very nice. 

But bring them to the Sunny South, 

Where ladies keep their place. 
And see how soon their blatant mouth 

Will bring them to disgrace. 

The Southern belle no duty feels 
To house and kitchen scrub, 
115 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Nor Ma, nor she, need cook the meals, 
Nor handle the washtub. 

The gallant men of Southern lands. 
Would feel the smart of shame. 

If they allowed our dainty hands 
To delve in work so tame. 

We dress in garments rich and rare. 

Made in the latest fashion ; 
With men of brains our hearts we share. 

But eschew men of passion. 

We work quite hard but not with hands, 

Our brains are always active. 
Whatever gent before us stands, 

Must know we are attractive. 

The men who bow before the throne 

Of Southern womanhood. 
Need, never for their acts atone. 

Because such acts are good. 

We'll deck their brows with garlands rare. 

Of never fading flowers, 
We'll take the hearts they offer there, 

And give them those of ours. 

ii6 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



LINES TO G; S.J. 

In the mountains of Kentucky, 
Where the honest yoemen dwell, 
There's a lady — small but plucky — 

Whom I've learned to love full well. 

Though my head with years is hoary, 
Now my heart is young again, 

Since I met thee darling Cora, 

Shall my love for thee prove vain? 

Must the castles reared to gladness 
Through the letters thou hast wrote, 

Be the cause of greater sadness, 
By a "Post Script" bottom note; 

That declares thee undecided. 
And would ask for further time? 

Is my fervent love derided 
By that single doubtful line? 

Nay ! Hope, like firmest anchor, 
Still lingers at thy door ; 
117 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

Where love should drown all rancor 
And bind us evsrmore. 

F6r should love's chain be broken, 
Our lives would drift apart; 

Without the longed-for token 
That soothes the aching heart. 




ii8 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE FICKLE FRIEND. 

IVe traveled east, I've traveled west; 

I've ploughed the ocean's waves; 
The only men I've seen find rest, 

Have found it in their graves. 

There's hills to climb and work to do, 
If we would reach the goal, 

Where cloudless skies ethereal blue, 
Give comfort to the soul. 

Of all the barriers in the way, 

To life with honor end, 
The greatest, we may safely say, 

Is this — the fickle friend. 

He meets you with a smile and bow, 
Your wrongs he will not name, 

Behind your back he'll take a vow 
Your life's a crying shame. 

When next you see his smiling face, 
He'll tell a tale of woe, 
119 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

How he to save you from disgrace 
Much comfort did forego. 

He'll say his money and his time, 

He spent in proving you 
A man of honor free from crime 

A hero, brave and true. 

Thus with deceit and false pretense — 

I know whereof I speak — 
This villain gains your confidence, 

This fickle friend, this sneak. 

But should it be a lady fair, 

That seeks you to destroy, 
She'll paint her face and braid her hair. 

And call you her best boy. 

Now should you heed her blandishment, 

You soon will plainly see, 
Your time with her was time misspent, 

A fickle friend is she. 

But still there is another lass, 

I'll let you guess her name. 
Her work is in a higher class, 

She makes you smart with shame. 

120 



WM. YANCEY RRWIN. 

I've seen her in all walks of life, 
I've seen her wooed and wed; 

No man I've seen with her for wife, 
Sleep in a pleasant bed. 

She is so delicate and pure. 
Your look would her offend ; 

Be not deceived, for I am sure 
She is a fickle friend. 

We know not how to give advice. 

This timid wretch to shun; 
She is so artless and so nice. 

Her work is soon begun. 

But this we know, and knowing say, 

If on her you depend, 
You'll ever after rue the day, 

You met her as a friend. 

For should you get in trouble deep. 

And seek your life to end. 
She'll be the "wolf among your sheep," 

This heartless, fickle friend. 

I heard a lady, in fine clothes. 
Speak, with a darkening frown, 

121 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

Of others in her church as "Those 
Offscourings of the town." 

"But then," said she, "their souls, of course, 

Are precious in His sight," 
As if the Lord were not the source 

Of all, both black and white. 

I thought, O, fool, must I the rule 

To such as thee extend. 
And number you among the crew, 

A senseless, fickle friend? 

Of all the creatures I have met, 

I know of none so small 
As she, who used that epithet; 

She was no friend at all. 

"Is there no friend," I hear you say, 

"On whom we can depend. 
To guide us in the narrow way, 

'Til time with us shall end?" 

We answer '"y^s," and boldly claim. 

One only, and no other; 
He overcame a death of shame, 

We call Him "Elder Brother." 

Za2 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Through Him, we safely may surmount 

All trials and ascend, 
The highest peak of honors mount, 

When time with us shall end. 

But if we seek much honor here, 
Though men should give us fame, 

We'll find our life is full of fear. 
For the honor of our name. 

The men who keep close to the earth, 

Need fear no fatal fall; 
While they, who proudly boast of birth, 

Stand on a tottering wall. 




123 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



A LADY'S SOLILOQUY. 

I sorter think I orter, • 

Buy a gift for Tinker ; 
He draws me all my water, 

'Cause the bucket has no sinker, 

And I couldn't, if I would, 

Because of snow and ice, 
And I wouldn't, if I could, 

Because I am too nice. 

Yes, he brings me in my coal. 

Wading through the mud and mire, 
And he warms my precious soul. 

By building a good fire. 

Then I send him down to town, 
With a bottle to the spring, 

That has such great renown. 
Our sought-for health to bring. 

And I oft him thus accost. 

With a cheek so wan and pale, 
124 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 

"Will you please this letter post, 
And inquire for my mail?" 

"Next you'll at the drug store call 
And you'll not forget, I hope, 

To bring a cake or ball, 
Of the finest toilet soap." 



Now hurry up, dear Tinker, 
Don't let me hear you blowing; 

I know you are a clinker, 

By the kindness you are showing. 

Such pure, unfeigned devotion, 
As of service to the Lord, 

Will most surely get a portion, 
A full and free reward. 

Well, I'm going home a Christmas, 
And I cannot get it then, 

Nor do I know right now alas ! 
Just what, or how, or when. 

O, yes ! I have it by my life, 

He is a grand civilian. 
So I'll just get for him a wife. 

My pretty sister, Lillian. 

125- 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And now, dear Tinker, you are paid, 
And I have saved my money. 

Now, when you have received the maid, 
Just kiss, and call her honey. 

You know with Yorks I had to keep, 

Up high-folootin style, 
And as my wealth was not a heap, 

I had to use much guile. 

So please, dear Tinker, don't feel hard, 

Nor at me frown nor fret; 
IVhen I bring with me your reward. 

You'll laugh and smile, you bet. 

Yes, dearest Tinker, let's be friends, 
I know I served you wrong; 

But when I offer such amends, 
The time should not seem long. 

Now space is up, Til say good by, 

But long will I remember, 
The service you did me supply. 

While with you in December. 



126 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



WILLIAM GOEBEL. 

What heartless fiend, to honor lost, 

Would dare to strike a blow 
At one so honored and so brave, 

So high, but now laid low ; 
Whose fame is known through all the earth, 

Though sprung from low degree; 
Whose courage there was none to doubt, 

Who chanced him once to see. 

He led what seemed a forlorn hope, 

Against opposing factions, 
Yet forged his way up to the top, 

With personal attractions ; 
A leader bold he proved to be, 

With heart and nerve undaunted, 
His shibboleth was "Fight to win. 

And never be outcounted." 

But all things mortal have an end. 

And so it was with Goebel, 
Still all of us would gladly know, 

Who slew him, so ignoble; 
127 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

'Twas crank or coward aimed the shot, 
That from him took his Hfe, 
The wise and brave knew such an act 
Could never end the strife. 

From this, we might a lesson learn, 

If we would lay aside 
Our egotistic prejudice. 

Best known as party pride. 
The truth, if told, would be like this : 

No Party should prevail, 
Who practice fraud, to change results, 

Or liberties curtail. 

Let plutocrat, and pessimist, 

Alike, take earnest heed. 
Our state by honor, must be run. 

And not by fraud, and greed. 
All laws that favor force, or fraud. 

Ere long, shall be repealed, 
True men, for this, will stand allied. 

With Party Lines concealed. 



128 






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H 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE SCAMPS. 

There are merx who love our party, 

With such self-denying zeal 
As to overlook conditions 

Under Grover's reign of steal; 
And would gladly see the nation 

Over-run again with trampSj 
If they only could get Grover, 

But to hell v/ith all such scamps. 

Their professions are not honest, 

And they will not do to trust 
For we tried them at Chicago 

With a platform that was just; 
And they helped elect McKinley 

With their Palmer-Buckner camps. 
They were urged along by Grover, 

But to hell with all such scamps. 

Then they called a new convention 

To an Indiana town, 
And its cost was paid by Hanna, 

Who planked the money down, 
129 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

He used that as a remedy 
To cure his party's cramps; 

Now those traitors still love Grover, 
But to hell with all such scamps. 

Still again they loved our party 

While at Kansas City met, 
Where they lengthened out the platform 

In some rotten planks to get, 
Such as ''Anti-Trust" — destroyer 

Of all concentrations camps — 
Their love still burned for Grover, 

But to hell with all such scamps. 

Then comes "against Expansion," 

The worst plank in that lot. 
When Bryan stepped upon it 

A dreadful fall he got. 
Those rascals this time acted 

Like spies within our camps, 
Their hearts were still for Grover, - 

But to hell with all such scamps. 

Those traitors are for money, 

And for the moneyed class, 
They cry aloud ''gainst silver, 

But use a lot of brass; 

130 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Their cheeks are brazen with it, 

You'll know them by those stamps, 

They love to brag on Grover, 
But to hell with all such scamps. 

They harp about sound money, 

Calling dollars fifty cents, 
They are traitors to both parties 

And they sit astride the fence. 
Where they reap the fruits of labor, 

While labor braves the damps ; 
They would foist upon us Parker, 

But to hell with all such scamps. 




131 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



MISS TOMMIE DEKNOBLOUGH. 

(Acrostic) 
'Mid scenes of rejoicing, at Nashville, one day, 
I met this fair damsel, so handsome and gay, 
She smiled at me sweetly and captured my heart, 
So grief overcomes me as from her I part. 

The Soldiers' Reunion was at its full blast; 

Old comrades were greeting as by me they passed. 

My thoughts were turned back to the scenes of my 

youth. 
My tongue was impelled by a love of the truth. 
In approaching the booth, where ambrosia she dealt, 
Expressions to give emotions I felt. 

Dear Tommie, unto thee, I now must confess, 
Each smile that you gave me made deeper impress ; 
Kind words that you spoke were as food to my heart, 
No other confection could to it impart. 
One glance from thine eye for a word fitly spoken. 
Bade joy return to my heart sad and broken. 
Long may you live to deal comfort and cheer, 
Out to the heart, that now holds thee so dear. 
Unto my pleading O, lady, respond, 
Grant more of those smiles of which I'm so fond; 
How happy they make me, is clear. 

132 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



LINES TO MISS TOMMIE D. 

Last night I had a pleasant dream, 
In which with thee I fondly strayed, 

Adown that bright, enchanted stream, 
Where love with love has ever played. 

And gave to each a life of ease. 

By deeds of kindness each to please. 

I cried, O, stream, from whence thy source? 

What makes thee brighter, year by year? 
The answer came, "Because my course, 

Began in love's confiding care. 
My utmost fountain, though, must be. 
Like Sihor, hid in mystery." 

"If thou would'st trace me to the mouth, 
Upon my bosom launch thy bark; 

I know no North, I know no South ; 
I speak, and all men to me hark ; 

I life to all the living give. 

And pleasure make for all that live." 

"What is thy name, O, wondrous stream. 
That flows so free through ev'ry land, 

133 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Whose fount no carnal eye hath seen, 

Yet mortal feet tread on thy strand?" 
"My name — expressive of Divinity — 
Is known to science as Affinity. 

I laugh at statutes made by men; 

I break the vows of priest and nun; 
No earthly court nor human ken, 

Can know the deeds that I have done; 
My siren voice none can resist; 
I use no force; but just insist." 

I thought, O, stream, could I abide. 
Upon thy bosom year by year. 

With this fair damsel for my bride, 
I'd seldom know a grief or care ; 

But dreams like this on waking void, 

Leaves Cupid's victim worse annoyed. 

I still revere the time and place 
Where decorative scenes were gay 

And Juno, with her smiling face, 
Still lingered in the lap of May. 

Thine image, there graved on my heart. 

Is brighter now, than at the start. 



134 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



WRITTEN IN AN OLD ALBUM. 

Though worn with use for many a year, 
My lids and leaves are torn and sere ; 
I still protect, within my frame, 
A group of pictures known to fame 
And others, yet to fame unknown. 
Because they battled life alone; 
And yet, still others, I protect. 
Whose names are held in disrespect. 

A talk like this in truth might come, 

From any other old Album. 



135 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

AIR CASTLES. 

Though the winter winds are blowing, 

And the frosty days abound, 
Still some daiTodils are growing, 

In my sad heart's fallow ground 
Where there dwells a little Cupid, 

Who can warm the coldest clay, 
And from objects dull and stupid 

Can a lovely scene portray. 

Should he now upon the segments 

Of our broken hearts but move, 
He could build of such small fragments 

Temples for the God of Love, 
Where through portals broad and lofty, 

Angel messengers could come, 
And with benedictions softly 

Bless the place we call our home. 

Can such thoughts of bliss and glory 

From a brain diseased arise? 
Are the themes we read in story 

Naught but morbid theories? 
Let us test those things by trial, 

And we then shall know the truth 
Of the contents of life's vial. 

Be it bane or bloom or youth. 
136 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



MARRIED IN HASTE. 

What makes my heart beat doubly fast, 
While brooding o'er the fickle past? 
Your heart, I thought, was all my own, 
But soon, alas ! the truth was known, 
For it had to another flown. 
Where in an unresponsive breast 
It sought to find a peaceful rest. 

What rasher deed could mortal do. 
Dear friend, than what was done by you? 
Was it for pique, or want of sense. 
That made thee offer such offense, 
And then so soon with penitence 
Return to crush the tender heart 
Of him who loved thee from the start? 

But now, alas ! the tangled web 

Makes thoughts, like tides, to flow and ebb. 
And I, like some dismantled barque, 
Without a compass, in the dark. 
Can neither give command, nor hark, 

137 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Since thou art to another wed, 
And he is now thy legal head. 

I own Fd freely all forgive, 
And find a place with thee to live, 
If thou wert free to think and act, 
And enter into such compact. 
With no intention to retract 
Or wound afresh the bleeding heart 
That loves thee still, as at the start. 




138 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



INCONSTANCY. 

It makes my anger swell, 
For a friend I love so well, 
A deceptive tale to tell, 

Where they go. 
Then you ask if I were mad, 
And you seemingly were glad. 
When you saw me looking sad, 

Don't you know? 

You profess to be my friend, 
Yet a moment would not lend, 
My poor broken heart to mend. 

But alas! 
You think I should be proud. 
That by thee I am allowed, 
To be least of all the crowd, 

In your class. 

But know ye once for all. 
There is naught on earth so small, 
As when on a friend we call. 
In distress, 

139 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

To be met with a denial, 
May you ne'er have the trial, 
Nor drink from such a vial, 
Much or less. ■ 

For, to me the bitter dregs, 
Weakens head, and arms, and legs, 
And knocks down the happy pegs, 

Set by thee. 
For you filled me with surprise, 
And have caused too many sighs, 
From my aching heart to rise, 

Don't you see? 

If a friend can thus me treat. 
And declare the act discreet. 
Though I've worshipped at her feet, 

Let me say — 
She is not the kind of friend, 
Upon whom I can depend. 
To stand by me to the end, 

Come what may. 



140 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



THANKS FOR THE LOAN OF A BOOK. 

Let me thank thee, gracious lady, 
For thy kind and thoughtful care, 

For the volume that thou gavest me, 
My lonely hours to cheer. 

As I ponder o'er the pages 

Of that interesting book, 
I perceive, throughout all ages, 

Love is recognized by look. 

And it speaks a higher language, 

Than was ever writ by pen ; 
Prudence tries in vain to manage 

Acts of loving maids and men. 

While Miss Prudence we admire, 

And her rules try to obey, 
Yet our hearts are set on fire. 

By thy smiles from day to day. 

May our friendship be as lasting 
As the vaulted starry heaven, 

Which is darkness when contrasting 
It with light thy smiles have given. 
141 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



IN THE HAMMOCK. 

When the days and nights are equal, 
And the summer writes this sequel, 

Hot and dry. 
Do you think I'd love to ramble 
'Midst the underbrush and bramble 
Where the snakes and lizards scramble? 

No, not I. 

But I'd seek thee, lovely maid. 
And beneath the pleasant shade 

Of some tree, 
There upon a hammock rude, 
I'd forget the laws of prude 
And would try to see thy nude, 

Lovely knee. 



142 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE RAILROAD OF LIFE. 

If, to a railroad we compare 

This fleeting life of ours, 
We'll find there's stations ev'rywhere, 

To reach at stated hours. 

If Childhood Switch we safely pass, 

We'll find in Youth a fill, 
Though over-grown with weeds and grass, 

Is ever slipping still. 

'Tis here, too oft, a train is wrecked. 

And many lives are lost. 
For Youthful vices left unchecked 

With life must pay the cost. 

Now should we safely pass this fill, 

We'll find at Manhood station, 
A maiden with submissive will 

To ride on transportation. 

And soon more cars we must attach, 
As business is increasing, 

143 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

At every station a new batch, 

With wants that know no ceasing. 

Erelong the heavy grade we climb — 
Slow throbs the engine, heart — 

To reach the station END OF TIME, 
Where we with life must part. 




114 





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Pi 
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O 




WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



''GO FORWARD." 

E'er since my youth I've sought for truth 
And gone to hear all teachers, 

But with distress, I must confess, 

Truth dwells not with some preachers. 

For if they knew their words were true, 

They'd be more consecrated, 
And without price time sacrifice 

To save the sin belated. 

There's Brother Dash who talks for cash, 

I've gone to hear him thrice ; 
He speaks of hell but would do well 

To heed his own advice. 

He did declare we should beware 

Of the higher order critics. 
And then began with studied plan 

To criticise their ethics. 

He thought it wise to criticise, 
For plainly did he tell, 

145 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

He spurned the thought of a pitcher brought 
All broken to the well. 

And next he said the brainless head 

Or author was not wise, 
Who lost his fear through ^'titles clear 

To mansions in the skies." 

When he got through, I saw that two 

Went seeking for the Lord, 
But if ye blind the Lord would find 

Just seek Him through his word. 

Hear Moses preach upon the beach 

Unto the Jewish nation, 
"Stand still," said he, "and you shall see 

The Lord and His salvation." 

Then God's command was close at hand, 

Which said, "Why cry to me? 
Believe in God and stretch thy rod 

Across that turbid sea." 

"Then pass straight through, for I'm with you, 

Be not a doubting coward; 
To Israel say, 'This is thq way.' 

Bid them that they GO FORWARD." 

146 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Without dismay they did obey, 
When lo! the sea was parted! 

1 hus in a trice they took advice, 
And went across, brave hearted. 

Their only fear was from the rear, 
Where Pharaoh's host on track 

Was pressing close to interpose, 
And take them prisoners back. 

But safely through the waters blue, 
The Lord brought Israel's host, 

While with a splash and mighty crash. 
The Egyptians there were lost. 

O, blessed thought that here is taught 
The form of the new birth, 

By Moses' rod and grace of God, 
The water and dry earth. 

Let Miriam sing to God our King 
And Aaron join the chorus, 

For Israel's band all safely stand. 
With Christ who went before us. 



147 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



BROTHER WHEAT. 

To church I went, with good intent, 

Last night, and took a seat; 
The sermon, though, was preached by Crowe, 

And not by Brother Wheat. 

Yet Brother W^heat was dressed so neat, 

And had such pretty feet, 
That for a while I had to smile, 

At ''dandy" Brother Wheat. 

Now when he 'rose with words to close, 

I thought him indiscreet, 
He looked too grum and scolded some. 

Did angry Brother Wheat. 

When Brother Crowe sat down you know, 

The service was complete, 
I'm at a loss, to know what boss. 

Could silence Brother Wheat. 

If he keeps wrong it won't be long, 
'Til empty pews he'll greet, 

148 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

And then I pray what will he say, 
This babbling Brother Wheat. 

The lamps were dim, and dull the hymn, 

The sermon was dry meat, 
So out some went, from discontent, 

Which angered Brother Wheat. 

It was not wise to criticise. 

The few who left their seat, 
They went away no doubt to pray. 

For foolish Brother Wheat. 

Sure as I live if you will give, 

The people food to eat, 
You'll not complain at them again, 

For leaving Brother Wheat. 

I know its nice, to give advice. 
And have all things look neat. 

But if a few should leave their pew, 
Don't Worry Brother Wheat. 

They'll come again and then remain, 

If you will rightly treat 
Their sad offense and want of sense, 

With kindness. Brother Wheat. 

149 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

But if you scold, and talk too bold, 

They'll try you hard to beat, 
Should they succeed no church would need 

Your service, Brother Wheat. 

Learn now that love, can sinners move, 

And Satan make retreat, 
So with it fight, by day and night, 

And conquer. Brother Wheat. 

As one by one our work is done, 

In heaven may we meet. 
Where we may spend time without end. 

With Christ and Brother Wheat. 




ISO 



WM: YANCEY ERW IN. 



FRIENDSHIP, LOVE AND TRUTH. 

What is it that disturbs my rest, 

And makes me visions see 
Of happy men by wives caressed, 

Whilst I alone must be? 

Can it be Cupid's wayward act, 
That makes me fearful prove. 

When I with courage would attack 
The fortress of thy love? 

Or is it fear that I'll ofifend 

The lady I adore. 
That makes thee but my passive friend, 

When love should conquer more? 

I own I can not comprehend 
Those visions seen in sleep ; 

Should they denote my hope must end, 
I'll never cease to weep. 

Though Friendship on some placid sea 
Might safely^ Spread her sail, 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And pleasures give to you and me, 
If squalls did not prevail 

But should too- many squalls arise>. 

Our ship could not reach port, 
For where the wreck of many lies, 

She too, would cease her sport. 

But if our ship were mann'd by Love, 
And anchored firm in Hope, 

The greatest storm could not it move 
With passion it could cope. 

We know that Love suspends the law, 
That would the loved destroy, 

And those who love stand not in awe. 
Of sins corrupt alloy. 

Let Love and Truth have perfect sway. 

To bless our future life. 
By prompting thee to name the day, 

You'll be my loving wife. 




Jl$Z 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE TARIFF WALL OF DIXON. 

On a hill in Old Kentucky, 

Sits this town of antique ways, 
For the goosey and the duckey, 

In her streets of mud still plays. 
And the hogs delight to wallow, 

In the mire of the street; 
Here the pavements press a hollow 

In the bottoms of your feet. 

Here Egyptian darkness reigneth, 

From the sunset 'til the dawn; 
And the merchants loud complaineth, 

If a fakir blows his horn. 
'Round this town though Democratic, 

They have built a tariff wall, 
And her merchants get ecstatic, 

O'er their fellow-creature's fall. 

If the liv'ry and the draymen, 

Could but know what now they lose, 

By the absence of the daymen, 
Who another route must choose 

153 



ORIGINAL poems: 

On account of unjust taxes 

Levied by the villag^e lords, 
In an effort to grind axes 

For their senseless merchant wards. 

They would call a town election, 

And would choose some men with brains, 
Who could easy make correction, 

And obliterate those stains. 
They would know that competition. 

Is the life of honest trade ; 
They could write a plain edition. 

Of the rules which they had made. 

They would know unjust taxation, 

Was a bar to free commerce ; 
And would by their legislation. 

All such taxing laws reverse. 
They could see a tax on streetmen 

Was a legal way to steal, 
And no longer would they cheat men, 

For that law they would repeal. 

Then they'd see their village growing, 

'Til it took its place beside 
The live towns, which now are blowing 

Like the whistle on ''Old Pied ;" 

154 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

But alas ! I've read in story 

Of some pearls once cast to szvine, 
How they made the earth look gory ; 

Will their actions now be thine? , 



FRIENDLY ADVICE. 

Tear down your tariff wall, and see 

If business will not take a boom; 
Let hawkers hawk their chattels free, 

Give thrift and enterprise some room. 
Your "moss-back" merchants are too slow, 

They will not let your people thrive, 
They either ao not care or know 

Just how to keep your trade alive. 

For every man you keep away, 

You weaken hotel keepers, 
Whose greatest gain must come they say, 

From "transient board and sleepers;" 
The livery man you crush I know, 

For he alone is able. 
Through traveling men who come and go, 

To run his liv'ry stable; 

155 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

His hackmen and his draymen, too, 

Must soon in squalor sit, 
And charge their poverty to you, 

If traveling men should quit. 
The butcher and his thrifty crew. 

Would soon assign and break, 
For greedy, selfish men like you, 

Would never buy their steak. 

And now 'tis time for thee to scan 

' The horizon and see, 

If 'tis not this **the traveling man," 

Gives life and strength to thee. 
So in thy councils take advice. 

And see if you can't fix on 
Some way to treat all tradesmen nice, 

And be a growin-g Dixon. 




156 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE OLD, OLD STORY. 

In friendship's hour, we thoughtless tread, 
Along the path to unknown fields. 

Where grows the grain for Cupid's bread, 
Who mortals' destiny oft seals. 

For when our friendship is full grown. 
His power our hearts will move. 

And we unto each other own, 
That we are bound by Love. 

What mortal would the truth deny. 

On this important theme? 
Let him no longer live ; but die — 

His life is but a dream. 

Or is it lady who can say, 

That friendship's ripened fruit, 

Is not her sunshine — night and day — 
Such lady should be mute. 

Her words are idle, and her walk. 
Would to them give the lie, 

157 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

For acts, not words, do mostly talk; 
Our souls can speak with sigh. 

So, when we hear a tale of love, 

'Though we its power disown. 
Our souls will for each other move, 

In either sigh or groan. 

But, then, an earnest heart will speak, 

In plainest words the truth, 
And doubts remove from those who seek- 

For instance notice Ruth, 

Who left her native country dear. 

To follow one she loved. 
Her wants and poverty to share, 

'Til wants should be removed. 

We see her next in Boaz's field, 

With some success rewarded, 
She, on his threshing floor, revealed 

Her love — and was applauded. 

Henceforth, dear lady, let me vow, 

To love thee as no other can, 
"Thy God shall be my God," and how 

Thou plannest, I will plan. 

158 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Through ages yet to come I'll prove, 

Thy ever faithful friend, 
Nor life nor death shall change my love, 

It never can have end. 

For love like mine can never die, 

Nor broken be its spell. 
Where'er thou art to thee 'twill fly, 

In heaven or in hell. 




159 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

A DUN FOR FIVE DOLLARS. 

Dear Ed : You know 

The five you owe 
Is fruit of honest toil. 

So when you say 

You will not pay 
It makes my anger boil. 

I, too, love beer 

But, O, how queer, 
I seldom get a drink; 

Because to help 

Some dirty whelp 
I've loan'd my hard earn'd chink. 

So now, dear Ed, 

I've plainly said, 
What long before I wot. 

You do not care. 

Who pays for beer. 
So you, the beer, have got. 

I've often said. 

If you were dead, 
Fd freely you forgive, 

But if you thrive, 

I want that five. 
To help me, also, live. 
1 60 



WAd. YANCEY BRWIN. 



ON THE ROAD TO JERICHO. 

A lonely Jew, upon his way 

To Jericho, some debts to pay, 

Was overtaken by a crew 

Of jolly boys who said they knew 

Where stocks and bonds were being sold 

For half their value, paid in gold. 

If he possessed some of that ore. 

They'd let him in on ''the ground floor." 

"Well," said the Jew, "if all is fair, 
I have some cash that I can spare." 
When they profess'd his word to doubt, 
He from his pocket pulled it out. 
Just then those villains struck him down, 
And robbed him of his purse and gown. 
When he cried out they beat him more. 
And left him naked, bruised and sore. 

By chance a priest came walking by. 
Who saw the man but let him lie. 
So full was he of praise and prayer, 
That time to help he could not spare, 
Then next a Levite, temple bound, 

i6i 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Came near and saw him on the ground, 
But, clad in silk and full of pride. 
He passed him on the other side. 

Ho ! look ! there comes another man, 
A poor, despised Samaritan, 
He surely, too, the man will pass. 
Not so, he puts him on his ass, 
And takes him to a friendly inn, 
Where wine is sold — a place of sin. 
So holy priests and Levites say, 
Who prate about the Judgment day. 

Still, many pilgrims on their way 
To Jericho, are robbed each day. 
And many more, in direst need, 
Our priests and Levites never heed ; 
And in these days of greed, alas 
But few Samaritans e'er pass; ., 
He only is a friend indeed. 
Who gives relief to those in need. 




162 



IV M, YANCEY ERtVIN. 



HYPOCRISY. 

Knock, and the world will open 

To thee its portals wide, 
Boost, and the world will boost thee, 

And all thy evils hide. 

For the world is like a mirror. 
It gives thee look for look. 

Or like the hidden echoes, 

From the hills across the brook. 

Speak softly, therefore, ever. 
And smile on one and all, 

You'll be a hale, good fellow. 
And a guest at ev'ry ball. 

When you go to church on Sunday, 
Praise all that's done and said, 

For if you criticise them, 

They'll think you are ill bred. 

Now, if you lose your standing, 
With Deacons Smith and Brown, 

Your life will be a failure. 
In any modern town. 

163 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



MISS PEARL. 



What fitting tribute can I pay, 

To one so pretty young and gay? 

Whose heart no evil could maintain, 
Whose soul is free from ev'ry stain. 

Who ever stands, with outstretched hand, 

To aid the needy of our land. 

Whose cheery laugh and winsome smile, 
Can all our evil thoughts beguile. 

While we may sing in glowing rhyme, 

The beauty of thy form divine? 

To me, that rosebud thou didst give. 

Shall make my hope forever live, 
And, in the language of its flower, 
I'd love to spend a happy hour. 

No greater bliss could I attain. 

Than spending o'er that hour again. 
Caressing while I'd be caressed, 
And dwell upon thy budding breast; 

I'd know I owned the sweetest girl, 

And be a Topaz — set in Pearl. 



164 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



WAITING, SADLY WAITING. 

I've waited for a letter, 

Or something that is better, 

But then I cannot get her, 

I'm so sad. 
Why do you never write. 
That you may reUeve my plight, 
Or when I'm out of sight, 

Are you glad? 

If you knew my ev'iy thought, 
How with sorrow I have wrought, 
And no pleasure found or bought, 

As I live. 
You would surely send a note, 
Which your loving hand had wrote, 
To unstop my choking throat, 

And to give 

Words of comfort to my heart, 
Which from thee must live apart, 
And with great affliction smart, 
'Cause of thee. 

i6s 



ORIGIN AJ^ POEMS, 

Ah ! I feel to love in vain, 
Is perhaps the greatest pain, 
That the Lord will e'er again. 
Send on me. 

Although, if at the last. 
When this cruel wait is past, 
I could only hold thee fast 

In my arms, 
All the pain would be forgot. 
And I like Mother Lot, 
Would turn to view the spot, 

Where thy charms, 

Would my loving heart beguile. 
And I'd feast upon thy smile. 
And would every little while, 

Bless the day, 
That we chanced on earth to meet. 
For with happiness complete, 
I would at thy lovely feet. 

Ever stay. 



i66 



IV M, YANCEY ERWIN. 



ADVICE TO BLAINE. 

Blathering bleating, Blaine, 

Blow your horn again, 

From the Golden Gate to Maine, 

And let the people know. 

That Cleveland's ''small side-show," 

Is now the only go. 

So let the old cock crow. 

But don't forget to say, 
Saint John was in your way, 
Though the Irish Ass did bray, 
There was naught that could dismay 
That cock with plumage gay. 

Say to the troubled throng. 

Who for you all along 

Wrote many a campaign song ; 
That their labor has been lost. 
And now, though tempest-tossed, 
They must help to pay the cost. 

Tell them that Butler, ''the imperial joker," 
Was out of the deck, for the game was poker. 

167 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Tell them in accents soft and mild, 

To you was born a little child, 
That though the babe was very sweet, 
It also helped in your defeat. 

Tell them you wrote to your friend Fisher, 
That you were still his own well wisher, 

But that you thought 'twould be much better 
If he would only "Burn this letter," 

But he was such a silly man, 
As to give it to one Mulligan, 

And help to spoil your good intent. 

To become their President. 

And now, dear Blaine, let me advise you — 
Though honest men must e'er despise you — 

'Twere better far that you repent, 

Than live for aye a President. 



i68 



IVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



MISS DEA. 

(On Receipt of a Rose.) 

I hail thee, emblem of true love, 

Thou messenger of love and truth, 
Thy fragrance lifts my thoughts above, 

The fickle follies of my youth ; 
Where baser passions had their sway, 
And led me on from day to day. 
Could I but grasp the lady's hand, 

That plucked thee from thy parent stock 
I'd at love's portal trembling stand. 

And for admission gently knock. 

Thy fading beauty, lovely flower. 

Shall ever make me understand. 
That love, if lasting but an hour, 

Is like the m.ansion built on sand. 
Such love could never bear the strain, 
Of adverse winds and floods of rain, 
'Twould leave us thus thrice doubly lone. 

Bereft of all we hold most dear, 
No penance could our crime atone, 

Our hearts like thee would grow more sere. 

169 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

I'll treasure thee, thou faded rose, 

Whose giver thrilled my breast; 
At sight of thee, I'll think of those. 

Dear hands thy stem have pressed. 
But did I think, with hidden thorn, 
Thou hadst those lovely hands but torn, 
I'd crush thee into fragments small. 

And cast thee from me to the Lea, 
My care for thee is after all, ' 

To prove my lasting love for Dea. 




170 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



JONATHAN AND DAVID. 

When Saul, the son of Kish, was King 

And Abimelech priest, 
The PhilHstines began to bring 

An army from the east. 

A mighty giant led their van, 

Saul's army to defy. 
From him the hosts of Israel ran 

To mountain top near by. 

But David, son of Jesse came^ — 

A lad in war untaught — 
And heard about the giant's fame, 

And wond'rous deeds he wrought. 

For, to him, it was soon made known, 

That Israel was dismayed, 
And all her former glory flown 

Then David mildly said: 

''What base uncircumcised will dare 

Reproach our holy name!" 
His angry brothers said, ''Beware! 

Least thou God's host should shame." 
171 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

'' 'Twere better thou be watching sheep 

At home in Bethlehem, 
Than dead, to make thy parents weep, 

And each of us condemn." 

But David s words were told to Saul, 
Who straightway, had him brought 

Before the King, in council hall. 
To learn where he had fought. 

He told the king how he once slew 

A lion and a bear. 
And, trusting in his God, he knew 

No giant need he fear. 

Then Saul gave him a spear and shield 

And helmet for the head. 
But David from such act appealed, 

And chose five stones instead. 

He smote Goliath with a stone 

Projected from his sling, 
Then to a sword — the giant's own — 

He gave a mighty swing. 

He thus cut ofif the giant's head, 
And brought it to the King — 

172 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Who, when he saw the giant dead 
And heard the women sing, 

Ascribing praise to David, more 
Than unto Saul, their King, 

Became so jealous that he swore, 
He Hked not such a thing. 

But Saul has issued a decree, 

"Whoso that giant slays 
Shall riches have, and honored be 

Throughout my realm, always." 

"Both he and all his father's house 

In Israel shall be free, 
And he my daughter shall espouse. 

And ever dwell with me." 

But, when he saw the giant's head 

In David's hand so small. 
He gave command that he be led 

Again in council hall. 

He fain would learn his age and name, 

And ah about his tribe, 
And how it happened that he came 

In Shochoh to abide. 

173 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

As Saul sat on his gilded throne, 

With scepter in his hand, 
In all of Israel there was none 

So tall or looked so grand. 

Beside him stood his oldest son, 

A youth of princely mien, 
Whose noble heart young David won, 

While witnessing that scene. 

His royal robe he then took off, 

And gave it to the lad, 
Whose clothes were made of shepherd's cloth, 

The only kind he had. 

He also gave a sword and bow. 

And girdle for his waist, 
So he among the lords could go, 

Arrayed in lordly taste. 

Then Saul took David home with him, 

And let him go no more. 
To tend the flocks in Bethlehem, 

His humble trade before. 

But evil spirits from the Lord, 
Took hold on mind of Saul, 

174 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

So he from David kept reward, 
And sought to cause his fall. 

His oldest daughter, Merab, who 

To David's lot befell— 
As Saul acknowledged that he knew, 

He gave to Adriel. 

But Michal, who, her father said, 
Would soon cause David's fall. 

Was given him as wife instead, 
With blessings feigned by Saul. 

But Jonathan, the son of Saul, 

Loved David truly well. 
And oft at David's house would call, 

The news to hear and tell. 

One day he said to David "Come, 

Let us go in the field, 
Of late my father looks so grum, 

'Twere best you keep concealed." 

"Now let us here together swear, 

Our souls as one to bind, 
And each the other's fortunes share. 

Of whatsoever kind." 

175 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

''And let our covenant extend, 

To children yet unborn, 
And each the other's heirs befriend, 

Should any be forlorn." 

They enteied into covenant, 

Each other to protect, 
'Gainst evVy foe with base intent, 

And from their own neglect. 

'Tis sad to know that Jonathan 

Fell in a mortal strife, 
When Phillistines a vict'ry won. 

And David lost his wife. 

But still the covenant he made 
That day with Jonathan, 

Was kept by David, it is said. 
In caring for his son. 

Let us from this a lesson learn. 
Though Jonathans still die. 

To never from their offspring turn, 
But all their wants supply. 




1/6 




LILLY. 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



FAIRY SCENES. 

When the Savior taught the people, 

In His plain, but simple style, 
How they should not care for trifles, 

But should live by faith the while; 
He would point them to the lilies 

That were blooming all around, 
And He told them that their equal, 

Dressed in glory, were not found. 

But I know a certain Lilly, 

That is fairer to mine eye, 
And whose beauty never fadeth — 

Let me give the reason why : 
It is painted by love's fingers 

On the tablet of my heart, 
Where its blooms are cherished ever 

And I will not with it part. 

Though 'tis a fancy picture, 

Not the realistic scene. 
The genius that produced it 

Made the fairest ever seen ; 

177 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Though the subject may evade me, 

And prefer to live alone, 
Still through life I'll keep the picture, 

For Miss Lilly 'tis thine own. 

Since from me thou art withholden 

And thy form no more is seen, 
I can find a solace only 

Thinking what it might have been. 
Who can blame me for the worship 

Of this idealistic queen, 
Whose transcendent beauty ever, 

Dwelleth in my memory green? 




178 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



SHARPS AND FLATS. 

I knew a man who owned a barn, 
Well stocked with grain and hay, 

The rats and mice did him great harm, 
And vexed him day by day. 

At length there came to him a man, 

So wise as well to know, 
A new, but simple little plan, 

To make those varmints go. 

'Twas this, said he, "J^^t catch a rat. 

And turpentine him well. 
Set him on fire, 'Twill beat your cat. 

For they this rat will smell, 

While he pursues they'll from, him run, 

Hence all will run away, 
You'll need no poison, cat or gun, 

If you'll do what I say." 

The farmer set a cunning trap, 
And soon a rat he had, 

179 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

He gently took him on his lap, 
Though he at rats was mad. 

He filled his fur with turpentine, 
Then quickly struck a match — 

You should have seen that rodent shine, 
And squirm, and squeal, and scratch. 

The farmer tossed the rat away, 

'So great had grown his ire, 
The rat soon ran beneath the hay, 
And set the barn on fire. 

True knowledge, thus, was dearly learned, 
Those men were sharps and flats. 

The farmer's barn and grain were burned, 
His dwellmg now has rats. 




1 80 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE FOUR SEASONS. 

In the dreamy days of autumn, 

When the nuts begin to fall, 
I dehght to take a ramble, 

Through the timber thick and tall ; 
And at noontide eat a luncheon, 

'Neath the twining branches shade. 
For the blazmg sun would scorch me, 

Were I seated in the glade. 

Yet the nights are cool and frosty, 

And promotive of sound sleep, 
But their chill is turned to fever, 

When the sun begins to peep 
Over mountain hill and valley. 

Through the haze, with piercing ray, 
As the earth's revolving axis. 

Brings us to the noon of day. 

But soon the shades of evening. 

Will warn us home to go, 
For stormy clouds begin to rise 

And threaten rain or snow ; 

i8i 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Then Boreas, from ice-bound north, 

Brings winter here, so cold, 
That cattle must protection have 

And sheep be kept in fold. 

My horses then with prancing hoof,. 

In harness decked out gay, 
Will through the snow-drifts on the road, 

Go bounding with my sleigh ; 
While by my side, in seal-skin sacque, 

Mufif'ed up in furs so warm, 
There sits the lass I love so well, 

Unmindful of the storm. 

When spring again, with budding trees 

And violets greets the sun, 
That lass and I will wedded be. 

Our hearts now beat as one ; 
Our lives like summer for a time. 

Will bloom like beds of roses, 
But death, ere long, will separate— 

And here the chapter closes. 



182 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE UNJUST JUDGE. 

''Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, 
Because the Lord is his refiPge:'-^Fs xiv. 6. 

A judge on the bench, in Kentucky, 
By the name of Asher K. Ruth, 
In an effort to say something funny, 
By accident, uttered the truth. 

A woman was charged with disorder, 

And brought before Asher to try. 
He asked her, ''Have you any counsel?" 
. She said, "On the Lord I'll rely!" 

Then Asher, with language more cruel 

Than any piratical tar. 
Said, "Madam, unfortunate for you, 

He practices not at this bar." 

"Although we profess, here, to know Him, 
And of Him stand greatly in awe ; 

His name with contempt would be spoken, 
Were it not we fear more the law." 

"We know, when the Clerk swears a jury, 

183 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

The help of the Lord they invoke; 
Yet, when the Lord plainly says, 'judge not'; 
They treat His advice as a joke." 

''So lady, I'll therefore appoint you 
A counsel more honored by men ; 

Though he, through neglect of his duty, 
May let you be sent to the pen." 

"Unless you are able to fee him. 

And bribe many people beside. 
Your chances for freedom are hopeless. 

Now, lady, your case has been tried." 

"Your guilt has been proven quite clearly. 
By the fact you are under arrest ; 

The penalty would have been double. 

Had your counsel not been of the best." 

Moral. 
Woe ! woe ! to any people. 
In countries near or far, 
Who in their courts of justice, 
Will not admit at bar 
The Lord of all Creation, 
In whom we live and move. 
To cover up transgressors 
With garments of His love. 
184 



IVM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



MEDITATION. 

If the color of my parents 
Were black instead of white, 

I'd then be called a "nigger," 
And that would be all right. 

But would that name and color, 
Make me the less a man 

Unless my life and conduct 
Placed me beneath a ban? 

Should mortals bring in question, 
What God in wisdom made. 

And judge men by their color. 
With standards for each shade ? 

Was the Ethiopian eunuch, 
Not equal in God's care? 

Why sent He to him Philip, 
His doubting mind to clear? 

What think ye, too, of Jesus, 
Was He of God the Son? 

i8S 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 

He taught that "All God's children, 
In heaven and earth are one." 

"That they were heirs of glory," 
And "As the stars, should shine ;" 

What think ye of that story? 
It draws no color line. 

If Christ the pure and holy, 
With negroes walk and live, 

Will ye reject the heaven 

His grace to you would give? 

Oh, be ye wise ye foolish ! 

If only now ye can, 
'Tis not the shade of color, 

But acts, that make a man. 



i86 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



ACT AS YOU PRAY. 

If the past could to us this lesson but teach, 

All the present to fully improve, 
Then hope to' the future might trustfully reach, 

For a blessing of infinite love. 

Though hope in the future, though deeds of the past, 

Can comfort to none of us give, 
Still, blissful contentment forever will last. 

If the life of a Christian we live. 

Of duties neglected, we'd give little thought. 
Nor turn from our course to look back; 

If at present we'd do the things that we ought. 
Soon the erring would follow our track. 

But if we profess all the right way to know, 

Yet we constantly walk in the wrong, 
What mortal so foolish would after us go, 

Even though we would lead them with song. 

Truth, stranger than fiction ; an adage most true, 
Yef changes not truth, into fiction, 

i8? 



ORIGINAL POEMS r 

Our labor of love can no good ever do, 
Except through the Lord's benediction. 

The Lord in the fountain, the stream, and the sea, 

The land, and the dwellers upon it, 
If present, produces a sweet melody; 

Our planet takes part in a sonnet. 

All nature in accents of glory will peal. 

When men try to act as they pray. 
No shadows of night o'er our pathway would steal, 

"Old Night" would be turn'd into Day. 




i88 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



FOND RECOLLECTIONS. 

In looking back o'er childhood days, 

Before my parents died ; 
I view again the toys and sports 

'jlieir love to me supplied. 

Once more I see the waxe doll, 
With angel wings outspread, 
That hung suspended from a nail 
Above my trundle bed. 

But once a year, at Christmas time, 

It perched upon a tree, 
That held the presents Santa brought 

To sister Sue and me. 

Our neighbors, too, would gather in, 

For all t'leir children knew 
That something would be there for them, 

As well as me and Sue. 

I often wondered how it knew 
The very, very night, 
189 



ORIGINAL. POEMS. 

That it should from its place on wall 
To parlor take its flight. 

I brooked a thoivght that it might be 

A child of Santa Claus, 
And that to see his darling pet, 

He never failed to pause. 

But when I saw the flaxen hair 

Begin to thinner grow, 
And rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes 

Lose all their wanted glow. 

And place get vacant on the wall 

Where once she used to be, 
I thought perhaps it might be her 

Who took my Ma from me. 

Now Sue and I were left alone. 

For Papa too was dead, 
And strangers occupied our home. 

And Santa Claus had fled. 

In garbage box I saw his child 

Lie, with a broken wing. 
Where it was cast by thoughtless hands, 

Who cleaned the house that spring. 
190 



will YANCEY ERWIN. 

We thought some member of the church, 

Where Mamma used to go, 
Would take us in from off the street, 

But ev'ry one said "No." 

Soon — God be thanked — a stranger came 

With pity in his eye, 
And gently said to Sue and me, 

''You children need not cry." 

"Your father was a noble man, 

And wore a mystic chain, 
Whose links, unbroken, will for you 

A home and comforts gain." 

"I'll take you to a happy home, 

In city far away. 
Where Santa Claus ne'er fails to call. 

With gifts for Christmas day." 

He took us to a mansion tall, 
Whose rooms were large and neat, 

Where we could have good clothes to wear, 
And best of food to eat. 

He told us this was now our home, 
And we must both be good, 
191 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

And love the inmates one and all — 
We promised him we would. 

The matron was so sweet and kind 

To me and little Sue, 
I thought our Mamma had been there 

And told her what to do. 

And now, though many years have passed 

Since our dear parents died, 
We help to swell that noble band, 

And wear those h'nks with pride. 




192 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



MY DEAR OLD SOUTHERN HOME. 

How well do I remember, 

My dear old southern home, 
Where an ice-bound cold December, 

Was never known to come. 

Where the ivy and the myrtle, 
Wore their dress of living 'green. 

And the robin and the turtle 

Sang a love note to their queen. . 

Where the mocking bird in grapevine, 
Hopped about on nimble legs, 

And made music thro' the nigiittime. 
For his mate, who sat on eggs. 

Where the oriole and sand-snipe, 
Never cease their songs of cheer. 

But, night and day, sweet music pipe, 
From end to end of year. 

I remember, I remember. 

The palm tree's cooling shade, 

193 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Where from April to December, 

'Neath its broad leaves we have played. 

And the pine trees, too, were many, 
'Round our humble cottage home, 

Where my cousins Sue and Benny, 
Would to see me often come. 

Now those happy days are vanished. 

Yet I live them o'er again, 
'Though, in exile, I am banished. 

Still I'll hear the glad refrain. 

Of those happy days of childhood, 

Ere the cares of life began. 
And I roam again the wildwood, 

And forget I am a man. 

Yet there comes a sad awakening, 
From those happy dreams of youth, 

And my heart is sad and breaking. 
With the knowledge of the truth, 

That those days are gone forever. 

And I can not call them back. 
Though in vain I try to sever, 

Thoughts that dwell upon their track. 

194 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



UNEQUALLY YOKED. 

We know, dear lady, that thou art 
A child of nature, bred and born, 
Then left, at early age, forlorn, 
Without a mother's hand to guide, 
And show thee where the serpents hide ; 
A father's curse thy daily lot, 
Until thy hand a tyrant got. 
Who quickly bound thee with his spell, 
And cast thee in a deeper hell. 
Where thou must agonize with pain, 
From galls inflicted by his chain ; 
Oh ! could we give thy soul relief. 
And turn to joy thy present grief, 
No price to us would seem too great, 
Except incurring of thy hate. 

Or living thus — from thee apart. 



195 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



THE HEART OF STONE. 

Now summer's lengthened days are past, 
And winter sends her chilling blast, 
Let Cupid, with his fiery dart, 
Approach and warm your icy heart. 

Though earth's fair form is draped in snow. 
And winter clouds hang thick and low. 
Yet Cupid with his magic art 
Could lovely spring to thee impart. 

It may not be the thing that's best. 
For me to by thy love be blest, 
I know thy heart so cold has grown, 
Its ice must now be firm as stone. 

Yet God has promised if we pray. 
To take the stony heart away, 
And give to us a heart of flesh, 
That we may feel and love afresh. 

I'll therefore spend an hour each day, 
In earnest prayer and this I'll say. 
Give to the lady of my choice, 
A heart to feel and know love's voice. 

ig6 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



OUR DEPARTED MOTHER. 

Now another star is added 

To the blue, ethereal dome, 
Now another soul is wafted 

To its own eternal home. 

Now another chair is empty, 
Where a patient mother sat, 

And no mother's smile now greets us 
As we halt upon the mat. 

There's 3 mound of earth erected 

In the sunlight and the air, 
And that mound to us is sacred, 

For the body dwelling there. 

Yet we know the soul immortal 
To a brighter world has flown, 

And that God who gave us mother, 
Had a right to claim His own. 

We with patience wait the moment 
But the hand of time seems slow 
197 



ORIGINAL POEMS. , 

When our spirits freed from bodies, 
To our mother's arms may go. 

Oh! may God, who gave us being, 
Through that mother here below, 

Give us hearts prepared to meet Him, 
When from earth we too must 'go. 

And though now we seem divided. 
Some below and some above, 

There again we'll be united ; 
There's no broken cord of love. 




iq8 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THOUGH DEAD SHE LIVETH. 

My mother's voice, I daily hear 
Its accents in my lonely hours, 

Like visions which in sleep appear, 
Or incense from exotic flowers. 

And when I kneel in evening prayer, 
I feel her hand upon my head, 

Her tones of pleading freight the air, 
Beseeching God to guard my bed. 

I ope' mine eyes and look around, 
In hopes to see her sacred face, 

My disappointment is profound, 
For vacant now is mother's place. 

With mortal eye no more I see, 

That loving soul who gave me birth. 

Though oft' her spirit visits me. 
Her body has returned to earth. 



199 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



AFTER MANY YEARS. 

The following lines were read at the Confederate 
Reunion at Saratoga, Kentucky, 1903 : 

Though many years have passed away, 

Since foemen did prevail, 
A few gnarled patriots here today 

Are left to tell the tale. 
Just how a little honest band 

Of Southern heroes fought. 
Until with blood they drenched the land, 

And Yankee cohorts taught 
That all their doted "breakfast spell," 
Would prove to be "Four years of Hell." 

But since today in peace we've met, 

With hostile arms all grounded. 
We'll feast in joy, without regret, 

That "Taps" will soon be sounded, 
When we must join the "silent camp," 

Of those now wrapped in slumber. 
Since "Father Time" blew out their lamp, 

And left us few in number. 
Yet, while we live, let each display, 
The same kind greetings of today. 

200 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



LITTLE GRACE B. 

A winsome child with chubby hands, 

That pat me on the face, 
In mem'ry now before me stands, 

Whose lovely name is Grace. 

'Though years have passed since first we met, 

And she has now grown tall, 
I still must view her as my pet, 

And love her name to call. 

It makes my heart with rapture beat, 

And sober thoughts run wild, 
To know that she is still as sweet 

As when she was a child. 

And hope runs forward to the time 

When ripened womanhood 
Will find this darling pet of mine, 

Still beautiful and good. 



201 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



NEVER FEAR. 

Would you like to meet a poet, 
In some calm secluded spot, 

Where no tattler e'er could know it, 
If a fond embrace you got? 

Let me know by post returning, 
If I may have that pleasure. 

For I'm holy incense burning 
On love's altar without measure. 

And if thcu hast smelled its odor, 
'Til thy doubts are satisfied. 

Wilt thou let me in the border 
Of thy presence soon abide? 

Now my fate is in the balance, 

By thee I must be weighed. 
With the number of the gallants. 

That for thy hand have prayed. 

Let thy sword of justice sever. 
And a righteous verdict find. 

And with thy love forever, 
Up my broken spirit bind. 

202 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 



RETROSPECT. 

As o'er the distant fields I roam, 
My heart bowed down with care, 

My thoughts turn backward to the home 
Where dwelt my loved ones dear. 

But now, alas ! that home is gone. 

And I no more may see, 
My darlings play upon the lawn, 

In shade, 'neath spreading tree. 

I dream quite oft, but hear no more, 

The lads I loved so well. 
Give joyous shout as to the shore. 

They pulled the pickerel. 

No more I join them in their fun. 

Nor dig the tempting bait, 
Nor teach them how to use the gun, 

While for the game we wait. 

The dog whose movements would annoy. 
And make me wish him dead, 
203 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Would now if here fill me with joy, 
To see and pat his head. 

I see again, in memory's dream, 

The orchard on the hill. 
Where we would ride behind the team, 

And soon the wagon fill. 

But now, alas ! the farm is sold. 

The team and wagon too, 
The children they have now grown old, 

Or other sports pursue. 

Thus I a wanderer am left 

To trudge life's path alone, 
Of loving wife long since bereft. 

She's in a brighter home. 

Not here to counsel in distress, 

Not here to comfort give. 
Could she be here to cheer and bless, 

A happier life I'd live. 

Yet Hope that anchor of the soul. 
Still guides me through the earth; 

By Faith through Hope I see the goal, 
That gives new pleasures birth. 

2CX4 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN, 

My head, here frosted o'er with cares, 

No older then will grow. 
My heart, here weighted down with cares, 

No sorrow them will know. 

For Christ will wipe all tears away. 

And comfort give for pain ; 
Though here we die there is a day 

When we shall live again. 

And in that day I hope to meet, 

The loved ones gone before. 
Where I may walk the golden street, 

And all God's works adore. 

I'll praise Him for His matchless grace, 

His love to us has given. 
And ever after have a place 

To dwell with Christ in heaven. 



205 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 



MY TYPO. 

There's a girl in old Kentucky, 
If you know her you are lucky, 

For she's handsome as they ever get to be, 
Now I'd give my ev'ry penny, 
But to see thee darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 

With her hands so soft and tender, 
And her fingers long and slender, 

She has handled many metal types for me; 
So I'd give my ev'ry penny 
But to see thee, darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 

When the verdant earth is springing, 
And the nightingales are singing, 

And all nature joins in sweetest melody, 
Then I'd give my ev'ry penny 
But to see thee, darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 

When the sun is seen in morning. 
With his crimson streaks of warning, 

206 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

That a storm we may expect to see ; 
Then I'd give my ev'ry penny 
Just to see thee darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 

When the evening shades are falling, 
And each mate to mate is calling, 

Could I hear thee fondly calling unto me; 
Then I'd give my ev'ry penny 
Just to see thee, darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 

And if life with me were ending 
And the angel songs were blending 

With the music that my Benny made for me, 
Then I'd give my ev'ry penny 
Unto thee, my darling Bennie, 

For I love no other girl but thee. 




'2U7 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



AN OPEN LETTER. 

My dearest Howe, behold I now 

To you by hand these poems send, 
Were it by mail I'd fear the jail, 

For thai would Uncle Sam offend; 
You know of late the old man's pate, 

Gave all of us much bother. 
But for a spell, it now is well. 

And Cleveland is our father. 

Some kindred ties, I do despise,— 

I mean the kinky headed, — 
For Uncle Sam, the brainless clam, 

To the negro has been wedded ; 
His children all, both great and small, — 

The black, the white, the smoky — 
Are cousins true; some wore the blue, 

I wore the grey, by hokey. 



208 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE NEW BOARDER. 

A covey of feminine mashes, 

Came into the office one day, 
To read (if they could) dots and dashes, 

For he registered only that way. 

I mean the masculine boarder, 

Who came on the ten o'clock train, 

With a toga, like some foreign lord, or 
A native just going insane. 

"His looks are to me interesting," 
Said gidd> Miss Reckless-of-cost ; 

"One loves without his requesting. 
Still many just like him I've lost." 

"He looks like a man of great sorrow," 
Said happy-go-lucky Miss Still-wait; 

"I'll ask of his troubles tomorrow. 
When I meet him down at the gate." 

"He shows in his face disappointment," 
Put in old Lucky-to-lose-him, 

209 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Whose husband was such a disj ointment, 
That daily she sought to abuse him. 

"I notice he takes a small satchel, 

And oft into houses will go, 
And what on the earth does that tell?" 

Said shrewd Mistress Rubber-in-o. 

"No doubt in the satchel are keepsakes," 

Said little Miss O-let-me-weep, 
''Of loved ones drowned in the lakes, 

Or lost on the wild rolling deep," 

''He has such a faultless expression," 

Said old Mistress Sanctified Good-thing; 

Who daily makes the profession, 

That death can be robbed of its sting. 

"Hush," said they all in a whisper, 

"Here he comes for a first introduction 

Let each of us act as his sister 

And give him some helpful instruction." 

"We'll ask him to play the piano. 
And then on his merits decide," 

"For I hope," said eager Miss-I-no, 
"He has castles in Europe beside." 

210 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

Just then How-dare-you gave warning 
To please keep off of her corn, 

Her toe had been hurting all morning, 
So she wished she had neVer been born. 

* * * * 

The music ceased and right about, 

Our hero quickly turned. 
And said "Kind Miss, I'll take it out," 

But she his offer spurned. 

"Beg your pardon," then he said, 
"But let me on you still insist, 

Perhaps my looks have not betrayed 
That I am a chiropodist." 

To leave that maiden with her corn. 
And end this story though it grieves. 

Truth is truth, sure as you're born, 
Those ladies flew like autumn leaves. 



211 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



PENITENCE. 

When flood-gates of trouble are open, 
And sorrow sweeps over my soul, 

I wish that my life's thread were broken. 
And body sunk deep in a hole. 

Then I, in the face of my Maker, 

Unfettered by body of sin, 
Might feel like a sanctified quaker. 

The Holy of Holies within. 

For there on the wall of my castle, 

A canvas is for me outspread, 
The pictures upon it in pastel 

Are me through the words I have said. 

For by all the words I have spoken. 
The Lord will condemn or approve. 

Though oft Fve His covenant broken. 
He 'giveth me peace through His love. 



212 



WM, YANCEY ERWIN. 



TEMPTATION. 

While wandering by the river side, 

A lovely maiden I descried, 

The grass with evening dew was wet, 
And she was dressed quite deccllette. 

Her form was lithe and full of grace, 
She looked at me with smiling face, 

Her eyes were black as purest jet, 

And in a sea of crystal set. 

They shine with rapture when we praise, 
But woe to him on whom they blaze; 
For should imprudence raise her ire, 
No soul could stand before their fire. 

Thus are those eyes a fortress strong. 
They guard her 'gainst malicious wrong, 

Her lips like rubies pure and bright. 

Meet over teeth of iv'ry white. 

Her neck, a shaft of sculptured mould, 
Supports a head of polished gold; 
But at its base a bust so fair, 
That all our gaze now centers there. 
213 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Now, in our dreams by night and day, 
We peep beneath some drapery ; 
'Twill not a breach of honor be, 
To tell what in our dreams we see. 

So here we lift for you the veil, 
That hides the object of this tale; 
And when you see that lovely form, 
Of all art's decorations shorn. 

You'll know that decorative art, 
Was used to hide the better part; 
We now behold a lovely plain, 
Not such as clouds deluge with rain, 

But where a misty mirage rises. 
That adds new beauty and surprises; 
'Til we, placed 'neath hypnotic spell, 
Can §ee the reason Adam fell. 

No mortal man could long resist, 
Temptations, born of such a tryst ; 
So here we let the curtain fall, 
Since Eves and Adams are we all. 



314 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



THE WORD THAT NEVER WAS SAID. 

Her eyes were restless, and her lips were dumb, 
Her face was flushed, and her cheeks were red, 
Her thoughts if we knew them a wonderful sum, 
But alas, for our joy the word was not said. 

She smiled at us sweetly when her hand we would 

grasp. 
Yet looked at us blankly, when our cause we had 

plead, 
We longed her dear form, in our strong arms to clasp, 
But how xould we do it, if the word was not said ? 

That Word of all others, how we bended to hear it, 
And cleansed all the rubbish from the ears of our 

head; 
An army of genii, was waiting to share it. 
The joy that should come of that word when said. 

How oft in our sailing, over life's rugged sea. 
We hear unkind things, of the living and dead, 
We think what a blessing, their silence would be, 
For words of unkindness should n^ver be said, 

215 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 

Yet we think of no other condition in life, 
Where silence is golden, and thoughts of the head, 
Should e'er be permitted to have any strife, 
In silently wrestling with words linsaid. 

The truth needs no effort to make itself known, 
And falsehood to truth should never be wed. 
So if in the future, you are willing to own. 
Your love in return, let the word but be said. 



2i6 



JVM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

RECOMPENSE. 

To the troubled and distressed, 
One happy thought is given, 

If on earth they find no rest. 

There's rest for them in heaven. 

Where the "Man of Sorrows" went, 
To prepare a bHssful home; 

And whoever will repent, 

May unto His banquet come. 

Let us strive His grace to win. 
And His righteous law fulfill; 

Thus shall we be free from sin, 
By submission to His will. 

Let us heed His ev'ry call. 
And be found at duty's post. 

So, no matter where we fall. 
Still our souls will not be lost. 

Then, when toils of life are o'er, 
And we lay our bodies down, 

We shall meet upon that shore, 
And receive a starry crown. 

Though our lives have here been sad, 
On account of jealous hate, 

Still we know they will be glad 
When we pass the pearly gate. 
317 



ORIGINAL POEMS, 



DECORATION. 

When Christ was born in Bethlehem, 

A star shown o'er her towers, 
And Magi from the verdant east. 

Brought frankincense and flowers. 

Some shepherds, guarding flocks by night 
'Gainst beast that sheep devours, 

Saw suddenly a flood of light, 
And angels bearing flowers. 

We see Him when we roam the fields. 

Or sit 'neath leafy bowers, 
And mix our songs of praises with 
The incense of the flowers 

Sublimest truth if we would teach. 

To cheer the soul that cowers. 
We'd point it to the tender care, 

God giveth to the flowers. 

We know that He who clothes the grass, 

Will care for souls like ours. 
By clothing them with righteousness, 

More beautiful than flowers. 

So doubting soul this lesson learn, 
Fear thpu no evil powers, 
218 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

The storm that breaks the giant oak, 
Adds beauty to the flowers. 

Let us, when clouds of trouble rise, 
Just bow these heads of ours ; 

And meekly say "Thy Will be Done, 
Thou giver of the flowers." 

The darkest clouds are quickly past, 
They give us needful showers, 

And sorrows, that our skies o'er cast, 
Gives hopes enduring flowers. 

And since the bitter cup of death, 
Christ drank for sins of ours. 

In hope we leave these bodies here. 
And strew their graves with flowers. 

Soon fleeting time, on winged feet. 
Will claim these souls of ours. 

And then with them again we'll meet, 
And wear immortal flowers. 




219 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



A DREAM. . 

One night while wrapt in slumber, 

My will without control, 
A vision of great wonder 

Possessed my very soul. 

'Twas in the mild November, 
When all was silent and still ; 

That vision I e'er shall remember. 
Came flitting over the hill. 

I looked enraptured upon it. 

As close by my cot it stood. 
And sang me a beautiful sonnet, 

Of love in a primitive wood. 

But the words of the song are forgotten, 
It was something about an oak tree, 

That had in its heart nothing rotten, 
And was outwardly comely to see. 

How it listened to mortals love-making, 
As under its branches they sat, 

And it toia of the many hearts aching, 
By reason of trystings like that. 

2^0 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 

I thought, what a beautiful lesson, 
But why dost thou tell it to me? 

Wouldst thou have me commit transgression 
Under that old oak tree? 

My thoughts the sprite knew, I am thinking 
For it nestled quite close in my arms 

My eyes were continually blinking, 
Beholding its ravishing charms. 

But alas ! on awaking so oddly 

From the scenes of such heavenly bliss, 

I fear that my thoughts were ungodly, 
For my pillow returned not my kiss. 



2Zi 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



BASE BALL. 

In the spring when buds are swelling, 
And the zephyrs softly blow, 

We can near the people yelling. 
At the base ball park, you know. 

And when summer's heat is hottest. 

Making ev'rything aglow, 
Of all drotted things the drottest, 

Is the ball park, still we go. 

And when autumn paints the landscape, 
Tints of ev'ry shade and hue. 

We will take a friendly handshake, 
As the season then is through. 

But, in all the dreary winter, 
While the air is full of snow. 

Bats are whittled to a splinter, 
As the teams on records blow. 



222 



WM. YANCEY ERWIN. 



A DUN. 

My dearest Jett, 
I have as yet 
Failed to get 
Your letter and remittance; 
If you but knew, 

What I've passed through, 
I'm sure that you 
Would send along that pittance. 

I've more to pay 
And every day 
That you delay 
Will tell upon my credit; 
So now you see, 
That paltry three, 
If sent to me. 
Will help me out— I've said it. 



223 



ORIGINAL POEMS. 



ADVICE IN PARTING. 

Let honor be your constant aim, 

And study well its lesson, 
If first you fail, ''Try, try again," 

And you will make progression. 

The race the swift will seldom win, 

Or strong the battle gain, 
A haste to know brought with it sin, 

And filled the world with pain. 

Let Prudence mark your every act, 

Your motto be Prudential; 
And learn through life that truth and tact, 

Are always most essential. 

Now if on earth no more we meet, 
Let friendship's cord hold fast, 

Until we walk the golden street, 
Where we shall meet at last. 



224 



AUG 4 1913 



